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๐Ÿ’ก Smart Analysis

Comparing Chicago and New York: Average gross pay is 13% higher in New York. Cost of living is 17% cheaper in Chicago. With higher take-home and lower expenses, Chicago is a more financially comfortable place to live with an affordability score of 6.5/10 compared to 5.8/10.

Category Comparison
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
Chicago
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
New York

๐Ÿ’ฐ Gross Salaries & Ranges

Average Gross Salary (Annual)
The primary average salary across experience ranges
$130,000/yr
$147,000/yr
HIGHER
Junior Developer Pay
$75,000
$83,000
Mid-Level Developer Pay
$112,000
$123,000
Senior Developer Pay
$169,000
$182,000
Lead / Architect Pay
$213,000
$230,000

๐Ÿ  Monthly Cost of Living

Rent โ€” City Center (1 Bed)
$1,900
$3,500
Rent โ€” Suburbs (1 Bed)
$1,200
$2,200
Groceries (Monthly)
$500
$600
Public Transport Pass
$105
$130
Utilities (Electricity, Internet)
$240
$300
Estimated Cost of Living
Rent center, groceries, transport plans & hobbies included
$4,023/mo
CHEAPER
$4,835/mo

๐Ÿงพ Tax rates & Take-home

Average Income Tax Rate
25%
25%
Social Security Deduction
8%
8%
Monthly Take-home (After Tax)
Estimated direct net monthly deposit based on mid-level pay
$6,253/mo
$6,867/mo

๐Ÿ“Š Affordability & Savings

Affordability Index
Score out of 10 comparing local net pay to costs
6.5
MORE AFFORDABLE
5.8
Monthly Savings Potential
Money left over after all standard cost of living expenses
$2,230/mo
$2,032/mo
Months to Save $10,000
~4 months
~5 months
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Complete Chicago Breakdown & Charts โ†’ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Complete New York Breakdown & Charts โ†’