Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

Chicago is 42% cheaper than Washington.

$1,380/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↑ 38%
$75,134/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↑ 41%
$315,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$724,600 ↑ 130%
$1,502/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↑ 40%
2,707,648
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $31,153/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Washington — common questions

Is Chicago or Washington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Washington?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Washington?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $31,153/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and District of Columbia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Washington details →

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