Cost of living · head to head
Chicago, IL is 5% cheaper than Washington, DC.
Based on overall price levels from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 100 equals the national average.
Washington, DCoverall index
108.9
Chicago, ILoverall index
103.6
Try your own salary
in Washington, DC
To live the same in Chicago, IL, you’d need about $95,133.
That’s about $4,867 less — Chicago, IL is cheaper.
Where the difference lies
The headline gap is 5%, but housing is where it really shows. Housing in Chicago, IL runs 26% lower than in Washington, DC (112 vs 151.1), 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 Chicago, IL
| $50,000 in Washington, DC | $47,567 |
| $75,000 in Washington, DC | $71,350 |
| $100,000 in Washington, DC | $95,133 |
| $150,000 in Washington, DC | $142,700 |
| $200,000 in Washington, DC | $190,266 |
Each row shows the salary in Chicago, IL that buys the same standard of living as the amount earned in Washington, DC.
Washington, DC · housing
151.1
Chicago, IL · housing
112
Common questions
Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Washington, DC?
Yes — Chicago, IL has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.6 versus 108.9 for Washington, DC, making it about 5% cheaper.
How much do you need to earn in Chicago, IL to match $100,000 in Washington, DC?
About $95,133. To keep the same standard of living, salaries scale with local prices, so a $100,000 lifestyle in Washington, DC costs roughly $95,133 in Chicago, IL.
Is housing cheaper in Chicago, IL than in Washington, DC?
Housing in Chicago, IL scores 112 versus 151.1 in Washington, DC — about 26% cheaper. Housing is usually the biggest driver of the overall gap.
What is the cost of living difference between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL?
Overall, Chicago, IL is about 5% cheaper than Washington, DC (index 103.6 vs 108.9), with housing 26% lower. Data is from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.