salaryChicago is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$109
👥 People living there
2,711,226
754,195
Commute to work
33.1 min
26 min
College degree
44.3%
68.4%
Own their home
46%
43.7%
Below poverty line
16.8%
9.9%
Unemployment
8%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $57,280 | +84% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $109,390 | $146,030 | +33% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $133,740 | +33% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $102,920 | +31% in Seattle |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $167,290 | +31% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $47,270 | $61,500 | +30% in Seattle |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,490 | $133,690 | +29% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $128,260 | +28% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $64,366 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Seattle?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $133,583 in Seattle, 37% more in Seattle.