Chicago vs Seattle
Cost of Living (2026)

Chicago is 40% less expensive than Seattle. Plus, Washington has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Chicago, IL

COL index107 ✓
State income tax4.95%
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo ✓
Median home price$330K ✓
VS

Seattle, WA

COL index150
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$2,200/mo
Median home price$780K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryChicago indexSeattle indexDifference
Housing139 ✓198+59%
Groceries101 ✓141+40%
Transportation102 ✓140+38%
Healthcare104 ✓145+41%
Utilities101 ✓135+34%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Chicago → Seattle

What salary in Seattle gives you the same purchasing power as your Chicago salary?

Salary in ChicagoEquivalent in SeattleDifference
$60,000$78,000+$18,000
$80,000$104,000+$24,000
$100,000$130,000+$30,000
$130,000$169,000+$39,000
$150,000$195,000+$45,000
$200,000$261,000+$61,000

Chicago vs Seattle: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, Chicago comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 107 versus 150 for Seattle — a difference of approximately 40%.

State income tax impact

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle workers an immediate 4.95% take-home pay advantage over Chicago workers who pay Illinois's 4.95% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Chicago is $330,000, compared to $780,000 in Seattle. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Chicago versus $2,200/month in Seattle.

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