salaryChicago is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$96
👥 People living there
2,711,226
681,294
Commute to work
33.1 min
30 min
College degree
44.3%
64.2%
Own their home
46%
41.5%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15.4%
Unemployment
8%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Washington for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $46,040 | +48% in Washington |
| Operations Manager | $109,390 | $156,460 | +43% in Washington |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $71,860 | -30% in Washington |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $75,930 | -26% in Washington |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $60,800 | -24% in Washington |
| Accountant | $82,360 | $102,140 | +24% in Washington |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,490 | $127,040 | +23% in Washington |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $84,000 | -22% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Washington cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,370 in Washington.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $63,063 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Washington?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $118,495 in Washington, 29% more in Washington.