Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 111.1 in Seattle, WA in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 6.8% less expensive than Seattle; housing rents differ by 26% (112.0 vs 151.3). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $80,457 buys in Seattle, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Seattle | Chicago vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 111.1 | -6.8% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 104.0 | +3.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 151.3 | -26.0% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 92.8 | -9.9% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 106.8 | -5.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 109.1 | -3.4% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Seattle | $53,638 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Seattle | $107,276 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Seattle | $160,915 |
Related
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC (2024)
- Cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN vs US average (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.