City Comparison · 2026
Washington Dc vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Washington Dc = $89k in Chicago
Metric
Washington Dc
Chicago
COL Index
1.55
✓1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,500/mo
✓$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,250/mo
✓$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
DC
IL
$100k Take-Home
$71,836
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
28.16%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
$41,836
✓$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Washington Dc DC | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,748 $3,896/mo · 22.09% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $71,836 $5,986/mo · 28.16% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $102,128 $8,511/mo · 31.91% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington Dc or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Washington Dc has a cost-of-living index of 1.55 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Chicago is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Washington Dc is $2,500/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Washington Dc vs Chicago?
$100k in Washington Dc = $89k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is lower by 11%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Washington Dc or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $71,836 in DC (Washington Dc) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $41,836 in Washington Dc vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideWashington Dc vs New York City cost of livingWashington Dc vs Los Angeles cost of livingWashington Dc vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in Washington DcCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in Washington DcRegistered Nurse salary in Washington DcWhere does $100k rank nationally?