Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 28.9% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2166 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $124,006.579 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 50.6% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL could save you approximately $2166 per month, or $25993 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.0K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,166

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.0K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:71

Median Home:$305K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Chicago, IL

Category	Washington, DC	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$3,066/mo	↓ $3,144less	50.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,680/mo	↓ $205less	10.9%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$595/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.6%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$3,144

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.9%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$66.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$37.17

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Washington, DC

$508

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$10.93

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,600

↓ $550

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,710

↓ $505

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,925

↓ $545

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,480

↓ $635

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$3,493

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Chicago

$556K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 45% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$310

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.