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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Chicago is 20% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,380/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 4%
$75,134/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 3%
$315,200 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 34%
$1,502/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $2,104/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Odessa — common questions

Is Chicago or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Odessa?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Odessa?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $2,104/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Odessa

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