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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Chicago is 28% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,380/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 30%
$75,134/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 88%
$315,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 52%
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 33%
2,707,648
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $66,219/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Chicago or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $66,219/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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