Can I Afford to Live in Seattle vs Chicago 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 | Seattle WA | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,321 | $5,913 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $410 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $100 | $105 |
| Utilities | $120 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $3,226/month | $3,290/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Seattle?
At $100K/year in Seattle, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $2,400/month, rent takes up 38% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
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.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Chicago leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,290/month vs $3,226/month in Seattle.
Can I afford to live alone in Seattle on $100K?
It's tight. Rent in Seattle would take 38% of your $100K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
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