Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Chicago is 60% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,380/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 82%
$75,134/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 115%
$315,200 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 282%
$1,502/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 72%
2,707,648
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,125/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $13,500/year.

Median household income is $86,166/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Chicago or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Bellevue?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,125/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Bellevue?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $86,166/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Bellevue details →

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