Question 1

Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, IL is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $498/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $5,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,545/month in Chicago and $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Seattle?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Chicago costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Chicago61	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$2,501
Median home value	$315,200	$912,100
Median household income	$75,134	$121,984
Unemployment	5.9%	4.7%
Housing score	52	34
Jobs score	7	35
Safety score	66	40
Climate score	89	92
Amenities score	73	90
Population	2.7M	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	76° / 37°

Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA