City Comparison · 2026
New Haven vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in New Haven = $119k in Chicago
Metric
New Haven
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.16
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,550/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,950/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
CT
IL
$100k Take-Home
$73,686
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
26.31%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$55,086
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | New Haven CT | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,398 $3,950/mo · 21% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,686 $6,141/mo · 26.31% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,228 $8,769/mo · 29.85% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Haven or Chicago cheaper to live in?
New Haven has a cost-of-living index of 1.16 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). New Haven is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in New Haven is $1,550/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs New Haven?
$100k in New Haven = $119k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 19%.
Which city has better after-tax income — New Haven or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,686 in CT (New Haven) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $55,086 in New Haven vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideNew Haven vs New York City cost of livingNew Haven vs Los Angeles cost of livingNew Haven vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in New HavenCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in New HavenRegistered Nurse salary in New HavenWhere does $100k rank nationally?