A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA.
IL
Population: 2,664,452
WA
Population: 749,256
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 160 | -34.4% |
| Median Home Price | $310,000 | $750,000 | -58.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.73% | 0.93% | +86.0% |
| Median Household Income | $66,576 | $110,781 | -39.9% |
| Population | 2,664,452 | 749,256 | +255.6% |
Chicago, IL is 34.4% cheaper to live in than Seattle, WA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$440,000
Chicago, IL is cheaper by 58.7%
Income Difference
$44,205
Seattle, WA earns more by 39.9%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Chicago, IL
4.7x
$310,000 / $66,576
Seattle, WA
6.8x
$750,000 / $110,781
Overall, Chicago, IL is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 105 compared to 160, a median home price of $310,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 4.7x, Chicago, IL offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Seattle, WA ($110,781) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.