City Comparison
Seattle vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chicago is ~16% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Seattle | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,553 | $1,998 | +$555 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,001 | $1,566 | +$435 |
| Groceries | $471 | $418 | +$53 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $22 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $83 | $73 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $191 | $169 | +$22 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Seattle | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,705/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $3,673/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,525/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Seattle | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,265/mo | -$235 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,687/mo | -$313 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,530/mo | -$470 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Chicago is approximately 16% cheaper overall. Seattle's COL+Rent Index is 67.7 vs Chicago's 57.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Seattle vs Chicago?
A 1BR in Seattle city center costs ~$2,553/mo vs $1,998/mo in Chicago. Outside the center: $2,001 vs $1,566.
What is $2,000/month in Seattle worth in Chicago?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Seattle has the purchasing power of approximately $1,687/month in Chicago.
Are groceries cheaper in Seattle or Chicago?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $471 in Seattle vs $418 in Chicago. Groceries Index: 82.2 vs 72.9 (NYC = 100).