City Comparison · 2026
Lewiston vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Lewiston = $152k in Chicago
Metric
Lewiston
Chicago
COL Index
✓0.91
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,050/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,320/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
ME
IL
$100k Take-Home
$72,080
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
27.92%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$59,480
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Lewiston ME | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,445 $3,870/mo · 22.59% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,080 $6,007/mo · 27.92% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,047 $8,587/mo · 31.3% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewiston or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Lewiston has a cost-of-living index of 0.91 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Lewiston is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Lewiston is $1,050/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Lewiston?
$100k in Lewiston = $152k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 51.6%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Lewiston or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,080 in ME (Lewiston) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $59,480 in Lewiston vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideLewiston vs New York City cost of livingLewiston vs Los Angeles cost of livingLewiston vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in LewistonCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in LewistonRegistered Nurse salary in LewistonWhere does $100k rank nationally?