City vs city
Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
- Rent is 41% lower in Chicago (median $1,440/mo vs $2,030/mo in Seattle).
- Homes cost 181% less in Chicago ($334k vs $939k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $292 more a month after taxes and rent in Chicago.
- Seattle has no state income tax on wages; Chicago does.
- Schools rate higher in Seattle (8.6/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Chicago has less violent crime (4.2 vs 7.1 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Seattle has milder winters (42°F vs 26°F average).
- Chicago gets more sun (189 vs 152 sunny days a year).
| Chicago | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,440/mo | $2,030/mo |
| Median home value | $334k | $939k |
| Median household income | $78k | $124k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,395 | $3,103 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 2.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 2.0× the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 77°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 42°F |
| Sunny days a year | 189 | 152 |
| Walk score | 77 | 74 |
| Population | 2,711,226 | 754,195 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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