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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

15.9% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
48.6% 48.6% more expensive housing
3.8% 3.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.6% more
Chicago
105
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 3.8% more
Chicago
104
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 3.5% more
Chicago
114
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% more
Chicago
103
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 9.9% cheaper
Chicago
101
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index10712415.9% more
Housing10515648.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,05020.6% more
Median Home Price$310,000$780,000151.6% more
Groceries1041083.8% more
Transportation1141183.5% more
Healthcare1031106.8% more
Utilities101919.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Seattle, WA
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Seattle to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Seattle → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Seattle →

Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Seattle vs Raleigh → Seattle vs Portland → Seattle vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 48.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Seattle?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Seattle?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Seattle?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Washington averages 0.84%.