Chicago vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

Chicago's typical home is worth $304,500, 34% lower than the typical home in Austin at $461,500.

Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago versus $86,556 in Austin.

Renters pay a median $1,314 in Chicago versus $1,549 in Austin.

Chicago carries a higher hazard rating than Austin, per FEMA — Very High versus Relatively High.

Metric	Chicago, IL	Austin, TX
Population	2,721,914	958,202
Median home value	$304,500	$461,500
Median household income	$71,673	$86,556
Median gross rent	$1,314	$1,549
Climate risk (FEMA)	Very High	Relatively High

On housing costs, Chicago, IL looks more affordable than Austin, TX — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.

Moving between Chicago and Austin

Chicago and Austin are 974 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	Chicago → Austin	Austin → Chicago
Median rent	+$235/mo (+18%)	−$235/mo (−15%)
Median home value	+$157,000 (+52%)	−$157,000 (−34%)
Median household income	+$14,883 (+21%)	−$14,883 (−17%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$1,391 – $2,205
2-3 bedroom	$3,277 – $5,140
4+ bedroom house	$5,544 – $8,657

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Chicago, IL Austin, TX

1,120 miles estimated driving distance · 18.7 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$1,496 – $1,907

Includes an estimated $392 in fuel (112 gal at ~10 mpg) over 3 driving days.

Professional Movers

$5,450 – $10,010

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.