Advertisement
Chicago vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Chicago, IL | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 103.6 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $73,380 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $54,720 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $70,834 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $56,962 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $353,998 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $88,850 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 4.0 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 9,359,555 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Chicago to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Chicago to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.051.
| Salary in Chicago | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Chicago | $52,553 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Chicago | $78,829 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Chicago | $105,105 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Chicago | $157,658 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Chicago | $210,211 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Chicago and Washington
| Job | Chicago | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $143,740 | $163,620 | $138,752 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $90,910 | $113,390 | $87,755 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $141,640 | $153,100 | $136,725 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $39,370 | $39,600 | $38,004 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $116,590 | $145,310 | $112,544 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $34,690 | $35,550 | $33,486 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $41,400 | $39,660 | $39,963 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $35,760 | $36,630 | $34,519 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,490 | $39,110 | $37,154 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $187,420 | $226,780 | $180,916 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $97,930 | $104,590 | $94,532 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $35,650 | $51,820 | $34,413 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $158,230 | $176,670 | $152,739 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $91,990 | $113,640 | $88,798 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $44,360 | $54,430 | $42,821 / $49,989 |
Advertisement
Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
Go deeper
Chicago vs Washington: questions
Is Chicago more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 103.6 in Chicago, IL and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Chicago?
About $105,105, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Chicago or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.