Chicago vs Houston: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Chicago is 15% more expensive than Houston. Chicago is 34% safer. Houston has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Chicago population: 2,731,585. Houston population: 2,397,315.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Houston
Houston is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 115 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.
| Category | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 115 | 100 |
| Housing | $2,937/moIndex: 165 | $2,100/moIndex: 118 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $394/moIndex: 96 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Chicago vs Houston
Chicago is 34% safer overall, with a crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 residents vs Houston's 54. Chicago earns a D+ safety grade compared to Houston's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Chicago
Illinois
Houston
Texas
| Metric | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 35.5/1K | 54/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 4500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.1 | 14.7 |
| Assault Rate | 608.5 | 621.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.9 | 128.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 376.8 | 769.2 |
| Theft Rate | 1938.2 | 3592.5 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 674.0 | 781.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Chicago, you have a 1 in 28 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 19 in Houston.
Climate: Chicago vs Houston
Chicago Climate Overview
Houston Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.3°F | 80°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 42.8°F | 60.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 36.9" | 47.9" |
| Annual Snow | 36.1" | None |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 0 |
Houston is 11°F warmer in summer than Chicago, but Chicago is 24°F colder in winter than Houston. Chicago gets 36 inches of snow annually, while Houston rarely sees any. Houston is wetter with 48" of annual rain compared to 37". Houston has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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