Can I Afford to Live in Chicago vs Washington on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Chicago IL | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,913 | $5,838 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $3,100 |
| Groceries (est.) | $388 | $422 |
| Transport (est.) | $105 | $100 |
| Utilities | $165 | $190 |
| Internet | $65 | $75 |
| Left after essentials | $3,290/month | $1,951/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Chicago?
At $100K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,913. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 32% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $100K a good salary in Washington?
At $100K/year in Washington, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,838. With 1BR rent around $3,100/month, rent takes up 53% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Chicago leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,290/month vs $1,951/month in Washington.
Can I afford to live alone in Chicago on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Chicago, rent takes 32% of your take-home, leaving $3,290/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only