Cost of living · head to head
Washington, DC is 5% pricier than Chicago, IL.
Based on overall price levels from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 100 equals the national average.
Chicago, ILoverall index
103.6
Washington, DCoverall index
108.9
Try your own salary
in Chicago, IL
To live the same in Washington, DC, you’d need about $105,116.
That’s about $5,116 more — Washington, DC is pricier.
Where the difference lies
The headline gap is 5%, but housing is where it really shows. Housing in Washington, DC runs 35% higher than in Chicago, IL (151.1 vs 112), while everyday goods and services sit closer together. For most people the rent or mortgage line moves the most when relocating between these two metros, so weigh that gap more heavily than the overall figure.
Salary you’d need in Washington, DC
| $50,000 in Chicago, IL | $52,558 |
| $75,000 in Chicago, IL | $78,837 |
| $100,000 in Chicago, IL | $105,116 |
| $150,000 in Chicago, IL | $157,674 |
| $200,000 in Chicago, IL | $210,232 |
Each row shows the salary in Washington, DC that buys the same standard of living as the amount earned in Chicago, IL.
Chicago, IL · housing
112
Washington, DC · housing
151.1
Common questions
Is Washington, DC cheaper than Chicago, IL?
No — Washington, DC has an overall cost-of-living index of 108.9 versus 103.6 for Chicago, IL, making it about 5% more expensive.
How much do you need to earn in Washington, DC to match $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
About $105,116. To keep the same standard of living, salaries scale with local prices, so a $100,000 lifestyle in Chicago, IL costs roughly $105,116 in Washington, DC.
Is housing cheaper in Washington, DC than in Chicago, IL?
Housing in Washington, DC scores 151.1 versus 112 in Chicago, IL — about 35% more expensive. Housing is usually the biggest driver of the overall gap.
What is the cost of living difference between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC?
Overall, Washington, DC is about 5% pricier than Chicago, IL (index 108.9 vs 103.6), with housing 35% higher. Data is from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.