City Comparison · 2026
Redmond vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Redmond = $93k in Chicago
Metric
Redmond
Chicago
COL Index
1.48
✓1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,700/mo
✓$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,510/mo
✓$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
WA
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$78,736
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓21.26%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
$46,336
✓$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Redmond WA | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redmond or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Redmond has a cost-of-living index of 1.48 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Chicago is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Redmond is $2,700/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Redmond vs Chicago?
$100k in Redmond = $93k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is lower by 6.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Redmond or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $78,736 in WA (Redmond) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $46,336 in Redmond vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideRedmond vs New York City cost of livingRedmond vs Los Angeles cost of livingRedmond vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in RedmondCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in RedmondRegistered Nurse salary in RedmondWhere does $100k rank nationally?