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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Corpus Christi

Texas
78

Chicago is 28% more expensive than Corpus Christi.

$1,380/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,230/mo ↓ 11%
$75,134/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,325/yr ↓ 12%
$315,200 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$197,100 ↓ 37%
$1,502/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,225/mo ↓ 18%
2,707,648
Population
317,383

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Corpus Christi, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $8,809/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $197,100 in Corpus Christi.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Corpus Christi — common questions

Is Chicago or Corpus Christi cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Corpus Christi?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Corpus Christi it's $1,230/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Corpus Christi?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,325 in Corpus Christi. Median household income is $8,809/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 Corpus Christi?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,230/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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