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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Chicago is 33% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,380/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 17%
$75,134/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 22%
$315,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 38%
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 22%
2,707,648
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $16,795/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Killeen — common questions

Is Chicago or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Killeen?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Killeen?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $16,795/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Killeen

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