Chicago vs Houston: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Chicago | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,325 | $1,194 | +10% |
| Median household income | $77,902 | $64,813 | +18% |
| Grocery cost index | 103.8 | 98.1 | +6% |
| Utilities (monthly) | $179 | $143 | +22% |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$80,034
- Difference
- $34