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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Chicago is 49% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 27%
$75,134/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 16%
$315,200 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 42%
$1,502/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 29%
2,707,648
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $11,870/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Laredo — common questions

Is Chicago or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Laredo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Laredo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $11,870/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Laredo

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