Purchasing Power: Chicago vs Seattle (2026)
See what your salary in Chicago would feel like in Seattle — and what you'd need to earn to maintain the same lifestyle.
From City
Your Gross Salary in Chicago
To City
⚠️ Living in Seattle costs 6.0% more than Chicago
Monthly Cost of Living: Chicago vs Seattle
| Category |  Chicago | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $2,300 | $2,400 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $430 | $480 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $250 | $280 |
| 🚌 Transport | $105 | $100 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $160 | $180 |
| Total Essentials | $3,245 | $3,440 |
To match your lifestyle in Chicago on $100,000/year, you need approximately $97,897/year gross in Seattle.
That's $8,158/month gross, or roughly $47/hour.
Chicago
Monthly Net: $6,380
Monthly Expenses: $3,245
Disposable: $3,135
Savings Rate: 49.1%
Seattle (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,440
To match disposable: $6,575 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $97,897/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Seattle compared to Chicago?
A monthly lifestyle that costs $3,245 in Chicago will cost approximately 106.0% of that amount in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my lifestyle in Chicago?
To maintain the same disposable income and lifestyle as earning $100,000/year in Chicago, you would need to earn approximately $97,897/year gross in Seattle.
Is Seattle cheaper than Chicago to live in?
No, Seattle is more expensive than Chicago. Monthly essential costs are $3,440 in Seattle versus $3,245 in Chicago — 6.0% more.