Austin
ChicagoVS
Austin is 17% cheaper than Chicago overall.
| Austin | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $2,937.48 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,958.32 CAD | $2,377.96 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 100 | 105 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $57.35 CAD | $104.91 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $209.82 CAD | $202.83 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.09 CAD | $1.33 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $32.17 CAD | $33.57 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $62.95 CAD | $69.94 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $1,888.38 CAD | $2,238.08 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Austin...
You would need $72,355 in Chicago to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Chicago?
Austin is 17% cheaper than Chicago overall.
How much is rent in Austin vs Chicago?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,700 USD per month in Austin and $2,100 USD in Chicago. Outside the centre, it is $1,400 USD in Austin and $1,700 USD in Chicago.
What salary do I need to move from Austin to Chicago?
On average, you need about 121% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Austin is roughly equivalent to $72,355 in Chicago.