City Comparison · 2026
Derry vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Derry = $125k in Chicago
Metric
Derry
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.10
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,450/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,820/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
NH
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$78,736
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓21.26%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$61,336
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Derry NH | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derry or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Derry has a cost-of-living index of 1.10 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Derry is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Derry is $1,450/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Derry?
$100k in Derry = $125k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 25.5%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Derry or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $78,736 in NH (Derry) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $61,336 in Derry vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideDerry vs New York City cost of livingDerry vs Los Angeles cost of livingDerry vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in DerryCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in DerryRegistered Nurse salary in DerryWhere does $100k rank nationally?