Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Austin to Chicago
Moving from Austin to Chicago involves distinct housing, income, commute, and tax trade-offs according to 2024 ACS 5-year Census data. In a standardized renting scenario, Chicago averages approximately $3,468 less per year in baseline core expenses. Austin records a median gross rent of $1,729/mo against $1,440/mo in Chicago, while median household incomes stand at $93,658 and $77,902 respectively. Commute times average 26 minutes in Austin compared to 36 minutes in Chicago. State income tax policies (Texas: 0.0%, Illinois: 5.0%) can further influence take-home earnings.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Chicago → AustinMoving from Austin to Chicago
Median Rent Impact
-$289/mo
Moving to Chicago saves ~$3,468/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+5.0%
~$4,950 more state tax on a $100k salary in Illinois.
Daily Commute Difference
+10 min / day
Difference of ~83 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTATX → CHI
55/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$10,308after modeled taxes and essentials
Best gainMedian rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.
Watch closelyLower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Chicago is about $3,468 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Austin household income$93,658
Chicago household income$77,902
Austin gross rent$1,729
Chicago gross rent$1,440
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 979,539 | 2,711,226 |
| Median household income | $93,658 | $77,902 |
| Median gross rent | $1,729 | $1,440 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $555,300 | $334,100 |
| State-tax treatment | 0% simplified | 4.95% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 26 minutes in Austin and 36 minutes in Chicago. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Rent advantage: Chicago saves ~$3,468/year in median rent
- Income scale: Austin local median income is $15,756 higher
- State tax treatment: Texas (0.0%) vs Illinois (5.0%)
- Commute reality: 26 min one-way (Austin) vs 36 min (Chicago)
What each city wins
Austin
Rent is affordable relative to income; home purchase is not.. Watch lower rent burden may reflect high incomes or constrained supply; high home values suggest strong demand or limited inventory..
Chicago
Median rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.. Watch lower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability..
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago than Austin?
Yes. Based on 2024 ACS data, median gross rent in Chicago ($1,440/mo) is lower than Austin ($1,729/mo), saving approximately $3,468 per year.
How do salaries compare between Austin and Chicago?
The 2024 ACS 5-year Census estimate indicates median household income in Austin is $93,658 versus $77,902 in Chicago.
How does moving from Austin to Chicago impact state income tax?
Texas has no state income tax, whereas Illinois uses an official reference rate of 5.0%.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. Tax rates are simplified official references, not personal tax calculations. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.