Seattle, WA vs Chicago, IL: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Chicago, IL. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Equivalent salary
Chicago, IL is cheaper than Seattle, WA by about 7.0% (RPP 113.7 to 105.7).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $55,778
in Chicago, IL
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $92,964
in Chicago, IL
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $139,446
in Chicago, IL
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Chicago, IL cheaper or more expensive than Seattle, WA?
- Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 7.0%.
- What salary do I need in Chicago, IL if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $92,964 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (105.7 / 113.7).