Chicago
SeattleVS
Chicago is 10% cheaper than Seattle overall.
| Chicago | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,937.48 CAD | $3,077.36 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $2,517.84 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 110 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $104.91 CAD | $138.48 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $202.83 CAD | $195.83 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.33 CAD | $1.54 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $33.57 CAD | $34.97 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $69.94 CAD | $83.93 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $2,238.08 CAD | $2,657.72 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Chicago...
You would need $66,844 in Seattle to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Seattle?
Chicago is 10% cheaper than Seattle overall.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Seattle?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $2,100 USD per month in Chicago and $2,200 USD in Seattle. Outside the centre, it is $1,700 USD in Chicago and $1,800 USD in Seattle.
What salary do I need to move from Chicago to Seattle?
On average, you need about 111% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Chicago is roughly equivalent to $66,844 in Seattle.