Chicago, IL vs El Paso, TX: 100 vs 67

$1,380/mo ↑ 33%

Median Rent

$1,041/mo ↓ 25%

$75,134/yr ↑ 28%

Median Income

$58,734/yr ↓ 22%

$315,200 ↑ 84%

Home Value

$171,700 ↓ 46%

$1,502/mo ↑ 44%

Owner Costs

$1,044/mo ↓ 30%

2,707,648

Population

678,147

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $16,400/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs El Paso — common questions

Is Chicago or El Paso cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chicago and El Paso?

Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $339/month.

Which city has higher income, Chicago or El Paso?

Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $16,400/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 El Paso?

It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Chicago

El Paso

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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