Is Washington, DC cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 40.6% more expensive than Chicago, IL. This translates to spending an extra $3046 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $186,549.491 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 102.5% more expensive than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3046 more per month than Chicago, IL, or $36549 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.5K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 40.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,046

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.5K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:141

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC

Category	Chicago, IL	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,144more	102.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $205more	12.2%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$632/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 102.5%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,144

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.2%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$205

📦Other

↑ 3.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Chicago, IL

$595

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$37.17

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$519

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$2,150

↑ $550

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$2,215

↑ $505

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$2,470

↑ $545

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$3,115

↑ $635

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,493

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Washington

$305K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 82% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.7K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$310

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.