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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC

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

21.5% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
54.3% 54.3% 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 54.3% more
Chicago
105
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 3.8% more
Chicago
104
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 7.0% more
Chicago
114
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% more
Chicago
103
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Chicago
101
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index10713021.5% more
Housing10516254.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$2,20029.4% more
Median Home Price$310,000$620,000100.0% more
Groceries1041083.8% more
Transportation1141227.0% more
Healthcare1031106.8% more
Utilities1011054.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Washington, DC
State Income Tax4.95%10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Washington57°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 54.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Washington?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $310,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.