Chicago vs Washington: cost of living compared
Washington is 29% more expensive than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in IL vs 8.5% in DC.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Chicago and Washington presents a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Washington is considerably more expensive than Chicago, with this disparity largely driven by housing expenses. While both cities exceed the national average for general costs, Washington's premium is significantly greater across most spending categories, making it a much more costly place to reside overall.
Housing
Housing costs show the most dramatic difference. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially higher in Washington compared to Chicago. Chicago's housing costs are actually below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities. Washington's housing market, in contrast, is well above the national average, reflecting a much higher investment for both buying and renting properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary, with Washington generally costing more. This includes higher costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Chicago. Additionally, Washington's state income tax rate is noticeably higher than Chicago's, impacting take-home pay. These factors combine to make routine spending and essential services more expensive in Washington.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Chicago experiences distinct seasons, including cold winters, and offers extensive public transit. Washington has a milder climate with humid summers and also boasts a comprehensive public transportation network. Chicago is known for its dense urban core and architectural variety, while Washington features a more structured, monumental urban landscape and a slightly longer average commute time.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Washington demands a much larger budget than Chicago. The most significant impact will be felt in housing, whether buying or renting, but nearly all other spending categories, including everyday necessities and income tax, also contribute to a higher cost of living in Washington. A move to Chicago would generally mean a more affordable financial outlook.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 152 |
| Housing index | 97 | 155 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 138 |
| Food index | 105 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 118 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 38 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Washington home with the True Cost Calculator.