Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 37.2% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $2786 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $116,563.953 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 59.3% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $2786 per month, or $33436 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.6K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,786

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.4K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$305K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL

Category	Seattle, WA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $4,470less	59.3%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$595/mo	↓ $229less	27.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,680/mo	↓ $219less	11.5%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $218less	11.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.3%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$4,470

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$229

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$219

less

📦Other

↓ 11.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Seattle, WA

$481

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$38.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,600

↓ $580

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,710

↓ $550

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,925

↓ $705

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,480

↓ $960

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$5,147

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Chicago

$808K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 62% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.