Cost of Living Comparison
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet Help
Compare Cities
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet HelpCompare Cities
Get Assistance
Estates Logo

The most comprehensive cost of living comparison tool for US cities. Make informed relocation decisions with real data from trusted sources.

Explore

  • Browse Cities
  • Affordable Cities
  • Best Cities
  • Compare Cities

Data

  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • Austin
  • Denver

Top Routes

  • NYC → Austin
  • LA → Phoenix
  • SF → Denver
  • Chicago → Dallas

© 2026 Estates. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceMethodologySitemap

Data sourced from US Census, BLS, DOT, EPA, Zillow (aggregated)

Last updated: Feb 2026

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Compare

ChicagovsSeattle

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

Moving from Chicago to Seattle will cost approximately $5,647 more on median home prices (1.1% higher). Monthly rent is $24 more expensive in Seattle. Median income is 2.2% higher in Seattle, helping offset housing costs.

Housing
1.1% more
Rent
1.1% more
View ChicagoView Seattle
Seattle

Side-by-Side Comparison

Origin

Chicago, IL

Median Home Price$525,274
Monthly Rent$2,189
Median Income$73,194
Population2,720,556
Loading...
Destination

Seattle, WA

Median Home Price
$530,921+1.1%
Monthly Rent
$2,212+1.1%
Median Income
$74,820+2.2%
Population684,443
Loading...

Cities Location Map

Housing

Rent History & Trends

Understanding how rental prices have changed over time helps predict future affordability and make informed decisions about your move.

Chicago

2015$1,513
2020$1,592
2025$2,189

Seattle

2015$1,625
2020$1,724
2025$2,212

Annual Cost of Living

A comprehensive breakdown of annual living expenses helps you budget effectively for your new life in Seattle.

Chicago

Housing$7,516
Food$5,442
Transport$13,003
Healthcare$12,465
Total$50,964

Seattle

Housing$10,040
Food$6,538
Transport$13,805
Healthcare$8,679
Total$51,246
Costs

Key Insights

1.1%
Housing Cost
more expensive in Seattle
$24
Monthly Rent Difference
additional cost per month
2.2%
Income Level
higher median income

Demographics

Chicago

Population2,720,556
Median Age34.2 yrs
Violent Crime Rate345 per 100k
Property Crime Rate1393 per 100k

Seattle

Population684,443
Median Age35.5 yrs
Violent Crime Rate336 per 100k
Property Crime Rate3036 per 100k

Safety & Crime Statistics

Chicago

345
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)
1393
Property Crime Rate (per 100k)

Seattle

336
Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)
3036
Property Crime Rate (per 100k)

Ready to explore more?

Compare other cities or explore detailed information about each location.

Explore ChicagoExplore Seattle

Need Help Settling In?

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. Our relocation experts are here to help you find the perfect neighborhood, schools, and local services.

No commitment • Response within 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Seattle or Chicago?

Chicago is 1.1% cheaper for housing than Seattle. The median home price in Chicago is $525,274 compared to $530,921 in Seattle.

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Seattle?

Monthly rent in Seattle averages $2,212, while Chicago averages $2,189. That's a difference of $24 per month, or $282 annually.

How do incomes compare between Chicago and Seattle?

The median household income in Seattle is $74,820, which is 2.2% higher than Chicago's median of $73,194.

Which city is safer: Chicago or Seattle?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100k residents, while Seattle has 336 per 100k. Seattle is statistically safer.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform covering over 3,900 US cities. We help you compare housing prices, rent, income levels, crime rates, demographics, and climate data to make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

Popular Comparisons

New York → PhiladelphiaLos Angeles → AustinSan Francisco → AustinChicago → PhoenixNew York → Los AngelesBoston → DenverSeattle → AustinSan Francisco → DenverLos Angeles → PhoenixNew York → AtlantaChicago → DallasWashington DC → CharlotteLos Angeles → SeattleSan Francisco → PortlandNew York → PhiladelphiaBoston → AustinChicago → NashvilleSan Diego → PhoenixDenver → AustinSeattle → Denver