The Verdict
Living in Chicago is 14% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Chicago to Seattle, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Chicago, you would need to earn about $90,441 in Seattle.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Chicago:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Chicago | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $1,925 | $2,730 | +$805 |
| Monthly groceries | $383 | $428 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $280 | $322 | +$42 |
| Public transport pass | $117 | $114 | $-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $190 | $170 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $2,895 | $3,764 | +$869 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Seattle to match a Chicago salary
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,294 | $10,294 more |
| $75,000 | $90,441 | $15,441 more |
| $100,000 | $120,588 | $20,588 more |
| $125,000 | $150,735 | $25,735 more |
| $150,000 | $180,882 | $30,882 more |
| $200,000 | $241,176 | $41,176 more |
Chicago vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Chicago is the more affordable option.
Rent: Chicago has a rent index of 55, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Chicago: $4,200/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Chicago wins 4, while Seattle wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.