Median rent is 21% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,738/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $499,600. Households earn more in Federal Way ($82,144 vs $75,134 a year).
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Federal Way, WA
How much would you need to earn in Federal Way, WA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Federal Way
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,738/mo in Federal Way, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Federal Way: the median home is $499,600 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Federal Way a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.50% in Washington; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Federal Way
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Federal Way.
Pick Federal Way if you prioritize higher median household income ($82,144/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Federal Way if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Federal Way?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Federal Way?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,738/mo in Federal Way, WA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Federal Way?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $82,144 in Federal Way, WA. Federal Way, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Federal Way?
Washington has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Federal Way to match my Chicago income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology