City Comparison · 2026
Boise vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Boise = $128k in Chicago
Metric
Boise
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.08
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,400/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,750/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
ID
IL
$100k Take-Home
$72,936
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
27.06%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$56,136
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Boise ID | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,768 $3,897/mo · 22.05% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,936 $6,078/mo · 27.06% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $104,578 $8,715/mo · 30.28% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Boise has a cost-of-living index of 1.08 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Boise is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Boise is $1,400/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Boise?
$100k in Boise = $128k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 27.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Boise or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,936 in ID (Boise) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $56,136 in Boise vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideBoise vs New York City cost of livingBoise vs Los Angeles cost of livingBoise vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in BoiseCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in BoiseRegistered Nurse salary in BoiseWhere does $100k rank nationally?