Median rent is 15% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,632/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $440,300. Households earn more in Vancouver ($78,156 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Vancouver is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 105.7 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Vancouver, WA.
Quick verdict
Vancouver is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.6 in Vancouver vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Vancouver, WA
How much would you need to earn in Vancouver, WA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Vancouver, WA
$73,531
You could earn $1,469 less (2% lower) and break even.
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
Vancouver
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,632/mo in Vancouver (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Vancouver: the median home is $440,300 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 28% 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 Vancouver 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%
Vancouver
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Both cities have similar air quality: Chicago averages 21.0 AQI (Good) and Vancouver averages 22.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Vancouver?
Vancouver is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Vancouver.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Vancouver?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,632/mo in Vancouver, WA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Vancouver?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $78,156 in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver, 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 22.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Vancouver?
Washington has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $98,042 in Vancouver, 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