Chicago, IL vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Chicago, IL vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago, IL | ● Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 46 | 45 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | — |
| Inventory Health | — | 99 |
| Affordability | 34 | 6 |
| Economic Strength | 21 | 47 |
| Rental Yield | 44 | 6 |
| Median Sale Price | $399K | — |
| Price-to-Income | 4.4 | 6.2 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.8% | 39.2% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | — |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.4% | 3.3% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 40 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Chicago, IL and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 34/100 vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 6/100.
- Economic Strength: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue leads — Chicago, IL 21/100 vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 47/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 44/100 vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 6/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago, IL or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Chicago, IL scores higher — 46 vs 45 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago, IL or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue more affordable?
Chicago, IL is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.4 in Chicago, IL and 6.2 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago, IL market brief and the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue brief.