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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Chicago is 18% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,380/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 24%
$75,134/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 29%
$315,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 22%
$1,502/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 19%
2,707,648
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $22,053/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Chicago or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Round Rock?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Round Rock?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $22,053/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Round Rock

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Round Rock vs. Vallejo Round Rock vs. Concord Round Rock vs. Meridian Round Rock vs. Arvada Round Rock vs. Palm Bay Round Rock vs. Clovis