Moving from Seattle to Chicago (2026)
Chicago has a COL index of 107 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 29% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$472/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
150107
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,900
per month
State tax
None4.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,434
per month
Salary needed in Chicago to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 29% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Chicago |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,533 |
| $50K | $35,667 |
| $60K | $42,800 |
| $75K | $53,500 |
| $80K | $57,067 |
| $100K | $71,333 |
| $120K | $85,600 |
| $150K | $107,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Chicago
| Expense | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $410 | $388 |
| Transport | $100 | $105 |
| Utilities | $120 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $1,811 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 29% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Chicago?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Chicago could save roughly $472/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,664/year.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $53,500/year in Chicago. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Chicago to SeattleSeattle vs Chicago — full comparisonSeattle cost of livingChicago cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only