City Comparison
Chicago vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~16% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $2,553 | $555 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $2,001 | $435 |
| Groceries | $418 | $471 | $53 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $25 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $83 | $10 |
| Utilities | $169 | $191 | $22 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $2,705/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $3,673/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $4,525/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,778/mo | +$278 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,371/mo | +$371 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,557/mo | +$557 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 16% cheaper overall. Chicago's COL+Rent Index is 57.1 vs Seattle's 67.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chicago vs Seattle?
A 1BR in Chicago city center costs ~$1,998/mo vs $2,553/mo in Seattle. Outside the center: $1,566 vs $2,001.
What is $2,000/month in Chicago worth in Seattle?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $2,371/month in Seattle.
Are groceries cheaper in Chicago or Seattle?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $418 in Chicago vs $471 in Seattle. Groceries Index: 72.9 vs 82.2 (NYC = 100).