on $100k a year, leaving Chicago
changea dispatch from
kennewick
WA
46.21°N
119.14°W
Kennewick is part of the Tri-Cities (with Pasco and Richland), sitting at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers in eastern Washington. The Columbia Valley wine region (Walla Walla is 45 minutes east) is one of the most acclaimed in the country. It's sunny, dry, and much cheaper than the Seattle side. The Hanford Reach is a hauntingly beautiful stretch of the Columbia. Underrated.
the verdict
lighter monthly cost than Chicago
Kennewick is the kind of cheap that changes the math. Same salary, a different life on the other side.
a quick ledger.
$1,686/mo
22% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
0%
$412/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,647/mo
$896 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$441k
21% more expensive than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
314k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
199
pleasant days a year, in kennewick.
Chicago keeps to 153 pleasant days a year. Summer is real but not punishing: 26 days top 95° vs Chicago's 1.
Noticeably quieter than Chicago. About 100% fewer events on a typical month.
74/100
6% higher than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Hanford Reach National Monument, 25.6 mi.
55/100
45% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
8
96% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
same energy as kennewick, different zip code:
compare kennewick with:
