City vs city
Chicago vs New York City
$100,000 in Chicago buys a lifestyle closer to $151,000 in New York City, because New York City's cost-of-living index is 168 versus 111.
Chicago
Big-city wages and transit without coastal housing prices. Illinois flat tax plus property taxes matter.
- COL index
- 111
- Typical 1-bed
- $1,850/mo
- Comfortable salary
- $94,000
- $100k take-home
- $74,375
New York City
The highest-density job market in the US, with NYC local income tax on top of New York State tax.
- COL index
- 168
- Typical 1-bed
- $3,900/mo
- Comfortable salary
- $143,000
- $100k take-home
- $70,090
More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego