Median rent is 31% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $912,100. Households earn more in Seattle ($121,984 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Chicago is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 114.0 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Quick verdict
Chicago is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Chicago vs 114.0 in Seattle (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$80,899
You'd need $5,899 more (8% higher).
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
Seattle
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 $1,998/mo in Seattle, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $912,100 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 65% 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 Seattle 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%
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 37.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 114.0).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($121,984/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Seattle?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Seattle?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $121,984 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 37.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Seattle?
Washington has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $107,865 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology