Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Chicago is 45% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 17%
$315,200 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 41%
$1,502/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 28%
2,707,648
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $12,665/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Chicago or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Amarillo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Amarillo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $12,665/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Amarillo

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