City Comparison · 2026
Boston vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Boston = $72k in Chicago
Metric
Boston
Chicago
COL Index
1.93
✓1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,900/mo
✓$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,700/mo
✓$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
MA
IL
$100k Take-Home
$73,736
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
26.26%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
$38,936
✓$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Boston MA | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,248 $3,937/mo · 21.25% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,736 $6,145/mo · 26.26% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,778 $8,815/mo · 29.48% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Boston has a cost-of-living index of 1.93 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Chicago is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Boston is $2,900/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Boston vs Chicago?
$100k in Boston = $72k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is lower by 28.5%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Boston or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,736 in MA (Boston) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $38,936 in Boston vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideBoston vs New York City cost of livingBoston vs Los Angeles cost of livingBoston vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in BostonCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in BostonRegistered Nurse salary in BostonWhere does $100k rank nationally?