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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Chicago is 10% more expensive than College Station.

$1,380/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 15%
$75,134/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 31%
$315,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 4%
$1,502/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $23,358/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs College Station — common questions

Is Chicago or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and College Station?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or College Station?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $23,358/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and College Station

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette