Quick answer
Seattle is 15% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $85,000 in Seattle.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Seattle Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Seattle is 15% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+14% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$85,000
Chicago vs Seattle: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$2,100/mo
+14%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$2,750/mo
+17%
Median home price
$340K
$780K
+129%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$430
+10%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$130
-16%
State income tax
4.95%
None
Seattle saves
Walk score
78/100
74/100
Chicago better
Transit score
65/100
59/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$51,000
$70,000
$80,000
$68,000
$94,000
$100,000
$85,000
$117,000
$120,000
$103,000
$140,000
$150,000
$128,000
$176,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Chicago vs Seattle
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
FAQs
Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 15% cheaper than Chicago overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs Chicago ($1,850/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs Chicago $340K.
How much salary do I need in Seattle to match $100K in Chicago?
$85,000 in Seattle is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+14% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Seattle: None).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Seattle?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Seattle $2,100/mo (+14%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Seattle $2,750/mo (+17%).
Does Chicago or Seattle have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.