Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Houston is 44% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,313/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 28%
$62,894/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 7%
$253,400 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 41%
$1,316/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 23%
2,300,419
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $4,178/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Peoria — common questions

Is Houston or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Peoria?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Peoria?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $4,178/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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