Washington, DC vs Chicago, IL: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
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 Washington, DC by about 5.0% (RPP 111.3 to 105.7).
$60,000 in Washington, DC
-> $56,981
in Chicago, IL
$100,000 in Washington, DC
-> $94,969
in Chicago, IL
$150,000 in Washington, DC
-> $142,453
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 Washington, DC?
- Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 5.0%.
- What salary do I need in Chicago, IL if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?
- You would need approximately $94,969 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (105.7 / 111.3).