Moving from Chicago to Austin?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Austin, you'd need to earn:
$65,359/year
▼ $9,641 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $65,359 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,993 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,052 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$948 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $54,366 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -5.3% in Austin
- Housing is +7.5% in Austin
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,713/year in taxes in Austin
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~980 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Austin
| Your Chicago Salary | Austin Equivalent | Difference | Austin Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $35,392 | -$4,608 | $30,476 |
| $50,000 | $44,305 | -$5,695 | $37,638 |
| $60,000 | $53,157 | -$6,843 | $44,750 |
| $75,000 | $65,359 | -$9,641 | $54,366 |
| $100,000 | $87,371 | -$12,629 | $69,852 |
| $150,000 | $130,916 | -$19,084 | $100,234 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Austin Compare
Housing (7% more expensive in Austin)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Austin rents for $1,549/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $400,000 in Austin vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Austin would save you about $3,713/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Austin's overall cost of living is 5.3% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Austin: 98.1.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Austin move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Austin
Average 1BR rent in Austin: $1,549/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →