Moving from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 974 miles.
| 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.
How Chicago compares to Austin
Austin's median home value is $461,500 — 52% higher than Chicago's $304,500.
Median household income is $86,556 in Austin versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $1,549 in Austin and $1,314 in Chicago.
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.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 958,202 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $461,500 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $86,556 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,549 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.