City vs city
Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC
- Rent is 36% lower in Chicago (median $1,440/mo vs $1,954/mo in Washington).
- Homes cost 121% less in Chicago ($334k vs $737k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $502 more a month after taxes and rent in Chicago.
- Schools rate higher in Washington (7.2/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Chicago has less violent crime (4.2 vs 7.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Washington has milder winters (36°F vs 26°F average).
| Chicago | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,440/mo | $1,954/mo |
| Median home value | $334k | $737k |
| Median household income | $78k | $110k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,395 | $2,893 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 2.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 90°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 36°F |
| Sunny days a year | 189 | 201 |
| Walk score | 77 | 77 |
| Population | 2,711,226 | 681,294 |
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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