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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Chicago is 52% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,380/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 22%
$75,134/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 23%
$315,200 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 50%
$1,502/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 31%
2,707,648
Population
113,710

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $17,604/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Chicago or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Beaumont?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Beaumont?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $17,604/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Beaumont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Beaumont

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