Chicago
HoustonVS
Houston is 11% cheaper than Chicago overall.
| Chicago | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,937.48 CAD | $2,098.20 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $1,748.50 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 98 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $104.91 CAD | $125.89 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $202.83 CAD | $237.80 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.09 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.57 CAD | $30.77 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $69.94 CAD | $55.95 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,238.08 CAD | $1,678.56 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 Chicago...
You would need $53,620 in Houston to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Houston?
Houston is 11% cheaper than Chicago overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Houston?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $1,500 USD in Houston. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $1,250 USD in Houston.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to Houston?
On average, you need about 89% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $53,620 in Houston.