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Chicago vs Washington Cost of Living

Washington is 42% more expensive than Chicago

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Index 107.3
H-1B Avg Salary $131,704
H-1B Filings 1,634
View full H-1B data →

Washington, DC

Cost of Living Index 152.1
H-1B Avg Salary $136,296
H-1B Filings 11
View full H-1B data →

A $100,000 salary in Chicago equals $141,752 in Washington

Salary Conversion Table

What your salary in Chicago is worth in Washington

Chicago Washington Difference
$50,000 = $70,876 +$20,876
$60,000 = $85,051 +$25,051
$70,000 = $99,226 +$29,226
$75,000 = $106,314 +$31,314
$80,000 = $113,402 +$33,402
$90,000 = $127,577 +$37,577
$100,000 = $141,752 +$41,752
$110,000 = $155,927 +$45,927
$120,000 = $170,103 +$50,103
$125,000 = $177,190 +$52,190
$130,000 = $184,278 +$54,278
$140,000 = $198,453 +$58,453
$150,000 = $212,628 +$62,628
$160,000 = $226,803 +$66,803
$175,000 = $248,066 +$73,066
$180,000 = $255,154 +$75,154
$200,000 = $283,504 +$83,504
$225,000 = $318,942 +$93,942
$250,000 = $354,380 +$104,380
$300,000 = $425,256 +$125,256

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington more expensive than Chicago? +

Yes, Washington is 42% more expensive than Chicago. The cost of living index is 152.1 compared to 107.3.

What salary do I need in Washington to live like I do in Chicago? +

To maintain your current standard of living, multiply your Chicago salary by 1.42. For example, a $100,000 salary would need to be $141,752 in Washington.

What are the biggest cost differences between the cities? +

Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities. Other significant factors include transportation costs, groceries, and healthcare expenses. Use our detailed comparison above to understand the overall cost difference.