Category / Metric	Tacoma	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$89,107	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$475,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$327	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,603	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	151.5	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	35.7%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	38

Chicago vs. Tacoma: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're at a crossroads. On one side, you have the Windy City—a massive, gritty, culture-packed metropolis in the heart of the Midwest. On the other, you have Tacoma—a smaller, coastal city that’s the edgier, more affordable cousin to Seattle. Both are deeply American, but they couldn't be more different.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the electric pulse of a world-class city, or do you want the laid-back rhythm of the Pacific Northwest with big-city amenities just a stone's throw away?

Let's break it down, data point by data point, vibe by vibe.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Coast

Chicago is the heavyweight champion. It’s a city that never apologizes for its size or its swagger. With a population over 2.6 million, it’s a true global hub for finance, architecture, food, and the arts. The vibe is urban, gritty, and relentlessly energetic. You’re trading backyard space for access to world-class museums, a food scene that spans the globe, and a public transit system (the ‘L’) that actually works. It’s for the hustler, the culture vulture, and the person who thrives on the energy of a crowd.

Tacoma is the cool kid on the block. With a population of just over 220,000, it feels more like a large town with a city’s soul. Once known as a gritty industrial port, it has reinvented itself with a stunning waterfront, a thriving arts scene (thanks to institutions like the Museum of Glass), and a rugged, natural beauty. The vibe is creative, outdoorsy, and unpretentious. It’s for the person who wants to hike Mount Rainier on a Tuesday and hit a craft brewery on a Wednesday, all while having the tech jobs of Seattle within a 30-minute commute.

Who is each city for?

Chicago: The urbanite who wants it all—history, culture, nightlife, and a skyline that takes your breath away. Ideal for young professionals, families seeking top-tier museums and schools, and anyone who loves a deep-dish pizza debate.
Tacoma: The creative or outdoor enthusiast who wants affordability (relative to Seattle) and nature at their doorstep. Perfect for young families, artists, and remote workers who crave a slower pace without sacrificing city amenities.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’re going to look at the raw cost of living data, but more importantly, we’ll calculate what a $100,000 salary feels like in each city after taxes and basic expenses.

The Data Breakdown

Expense Category	Chicago	Tacoma
Median Home Price	$365,000	$475,000
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,603
Cost of Living Index	110.7	151.5
Median Income	$74,474	$89,107
State Income Tax	IL: 4.95% flat	WA: 0%

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s say you earn a comfortable $100,000 salary. Here’s the reality check.

In Chicago: Your take-home pay after federal and Illinois’ 4.95% flat state tax is roughly $74,000 annually, or about $6,167/month. Your rent of $1,507 eats up about 24% of your take-home. That leaves you with a solid $4,660 for everything else—groceries, utilities, transit, and fun. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, but your housing is relatively affordable compared to coastal cities. You get a lot of urban bang for your buck.
In Tacoma: Your take-home pay after federal and Washington’s 0% state income tax is roughly $76,500 annually, or about $6,375/month. Your rent of $1,603 also eats up about 25% of your take-home. You’re left with $6,375 - $1,603 = $4,772. So, on paper, you have slightly more disposable income. But here’s the catch: The overall cost of living index in Tacoma is 151.5—significantly higher than Chicago’s 110.7. This is due to Washington’s high sales tax (over 10% in Tacoma) and inflated prices for goods and services. That extra cash can get eaten up fast by groceries, gas, and dining out.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: While Washington’s lack of income tax is a huge perk, Chicago’s lower overall cost of living gives you more purchasing power for your dollar, especially when it comes to housing. In Chicago, $100k feels like $100k. In Tacoma, that same salary feels more like $85k after you account for the higher price of everything else.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago: The housing market here is a mixed bag. The median home price of $365,000 is incredibly reasonable for a major U.S. metro. You can find a classic Chicago bungalow or a modern condo in a vibrant neighborhood without breaking the bank. It’s a buyer’s market in many areas, with more inventory and less frantic competition than you’d see on the coasts. Renting is also a solid, competitive option with plenty of supply across all price points. The key is choosing the right neighborhood—prices and vibes vary wildly from the luxury of Lincoln Park to the artistic buzz of Logan Square.

Tacoma: The housing market is tougher. The median home price of $475,000 is 30% higher than Chicago’s, and the Housing Index of 151.5 reflects that intense pressure. This is largely due to its spillover effect from the insanity of the Seattle market. Finding an affordable home is a challenge, and buyers often face bidding wars, especially in desirable, family-friendly neighborhoods. Renting is also competitive, with prices creeping up steadily as more people seek refuge from Seattle’s costs.

The Verdict: For buyers, Chicago offers far more house for your money and a less punishing market. For renters, both cities present similar monthly costs, but Chicago gives you more neighborhood options at that price point.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

Chicago: Traffic can be brutal, but the city’s public transit is one of the best in the country. The ‘L’ and buses get millions of people around daily. You can realistically live car-free, saving you thousands a year on insurance, gas, and parking.
Tacoma: You’ll almost certainly need a car. The city is spread out, and public transit is limited. The biggest commute is for those working in Seattle (or remotely for Seattle companies). The I-5 corridor is notoriously congested. However, getting to nature—beaches, forests, mountains—is a quick and easy drive.

Weather:

Chicago: Brutal winters are a defining feature. We’re talking 21°F averages in January, biting winds, and heavy snow. Summers are glorious but can be hot and humid. It’s a city of extremes.
Tacoma: The Pacific Northwest cliché is real: gray, drizzly winters and mild, beautiful summers. The winter average is a chilly but manageable 48°F, but the lack of sun from October to April can be a serious mental health challenge for some (hello, Seasonal Affective Disorder). The upside? No shoveling snow and perfect weather for hiking year-round.

Crime & Safety:
Let’s be honest. Both cities have areas with high crime rates, and both have incredibly safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. The data shows a clear difference, however.

Chicago: Violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. This is a high number, but it’s heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the South and West Sides. The vast majority of the city, especially the North Side and downtown, is very safe.
Tacoma: Violent crime rate is 678.0 per 100k. While lower than Chicago’s, it’s still above the national average. Like Chicago, it’s highly neighborhood-dependent. The Proctor District and North End are very safe, while other areas struggle more.

The Safety Verdict: Statistically, Tacoma has a lower violent crime rate. However, safety in both cities is entirely dependent on your specific neighborhood. Do your research block by block.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final showdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Chicago
While Tacoma’s nature is a huge draw, Chicago’s combination of lower housing costs, world-class public schools (in select neighborhoods), and an endless array of free cultural institutions (parks, museums, festivals) makes it a more financially sustainable and enriching environment for raising a family. You simply get more for your money.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Tie (But for Different Reasons)

Choose Chicago if your career is in finance, law, marketing, or the arts. The networking opportunities, nightlife, and sheer scale of the city are unbeatable.

Choose Tacoma if you work remotely, are in tech but want to avoid Seattle prices, or your passion is the outdoors. It’s a fantastic launchpad for adventures and a more relaxed, creative community.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Tacoma
For retirees, the lack of state income tax in Washington is a massive financial advantage, especially on retirement withdrawals. The milder, snow-free winters are easier on the body, and the slower pace of life is ideal. Chicago’s brutal winters and higher taxes can be a dealbreaker for those on a fixed income.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Chicago: The Gritty Metropolis

PROS:

Incredible Value: More affordable housing than any other major U.S. city.
World-Class Culture: Unrivaled museums, architecture, theater, and food.
Public Transit: You can live car-free, saving thousands.
Strong Job Market: Diverse economy with opportunities in multiple sectors.
Vibrant Neighborhoods: Each has a unique personality and community.

CONS:

Harsh Winters: Cold, windy, and snowy for months.
High Taxes: Illinois has high property and sales taxes, plus a state income tax.
Traffic: Driving can be a nightmare, though transit helps.
Crime Perception: While concentrated, the reputation can be a stigma.

Tacoma: The Coastal Creative

PROS:

No State Income Tax: A huge financial win.
Outdoor Paradise: Instant access to mountains, forests, and the Puget Sound.
Milder Climate: No snow, no brutal summers.
Seattle Adjacent: Big-city job opportunities without the Seattle price tag.
Artsy Vibe: A thriving, unpretentious arts and brewery scene.

CONS:

High Cost of Living: Driven up by proximity to Seattle.
Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you’ll need a vehicle.
Gray Winters: The lack of sun from fall to spring can be draining.
Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is a challenge for many.
Smaller Scale: Fewer major league sports, less variety in dining/entertainment.

The Bottom Line: If you crave the energy, history, and financial accessibility of a major city, Chicago is your champion. If your heart beats for the outdoors, milder weather, and a creative coastal vibe, Tacoma is calling your name. Choose wisely—and pack accordingly.

Tacoma vs Chicago

📊 Lifestyle Match

📋 The Details

Expert Verdict