Chicago, IL vs Washington, DC
Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago, IL is more affordable by 5.3 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Washington, DC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 108.9 | -5.3 |
| Housing | 112.0 | 151.1 | -39.1 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 104.8 | +2.4 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 106.7 | -23.1 |
| Other Services | 100.5 | 102.3 | -1.8 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,087 | $119,803 |
| Median Home Value | $288,400 | $513,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,310 | $1,904 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,977 | $59,587 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 5.3 index points (Chicago, IL: 103.6, Washington, DC: 108.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Chicago, IL or Washington, DC?
Housing is more affordable in Chicago, IL. Housing index: Chicago, IL (112.0) vs Washington, DC (151.1).