salaryChicago is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tacoma to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,944
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,883
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$92,626
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$479,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,482
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$148
👥 People living there
2,711,226
222,758
Commute to work
33.1 min
28.8 min
College degree
44.3%
34.5%
Own their home
46%
55.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
12.4%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Tacoma for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $57,280 | +84% in Tacoma |
| Operations Manager | $109,390 | $146,030 | +33% in Tacoma |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $133,740 | +33% in Tacoma |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $102,920 | +31% in Tacoma |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $167,290 | +31% in Tacoma |
| Medical Assistant | $47,270 | $61,500 | +30% in Tacoma |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,490 | $133,690 | +29% in Tacoma |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $128,260 | +28% in Tacoma |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $1,944 in Tacoma.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $64,366 a year gives the same standard of living in Tacoma.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Tacoma?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $92,626 in Tacoma, 9% more in Tacoma.