Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 59.1% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $4433 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $203,200.74 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 145.8% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4433 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $53201 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.4K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $203.2K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 59.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,433

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$53.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:159

Median Home:$808K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA

Category	Chicago, IL	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,470more	145.8%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$824/mo	↑ $229more	38.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $219more	13.0%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $218more	12.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$481/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 145.8%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,470

🏥Healthcare

↑ 38.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$229

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$219

📦Other

↑ 12.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$218

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.4%

Chicago, IL

$519

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$38.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$2,180

↑ $580

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$2,260

↑ $550

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$2,630

↑ $705

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$3,440

↑ $960

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,147

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Seattle

$305K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 164% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.