City Comparison · 2026
Orem vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Orem = $128k in Chicago
Metric
Orem
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
UT
IL
$100k Take-Home
✓$73,886
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
✓26.11%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$57,086
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Orem UT | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,338 $3,945/mo · 21.1% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,886 $6,157/mo · 26.11% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $106,003 $8,834/mo · 29.33% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orem or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Orem has a cost-of-living index of 1.08 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Orem is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Orem is $1,400/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Orem?
$100k in Orem = $128k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 27.8%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Orem or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,886 in UT (Orem) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $57,086 in Orem vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideOrem vs New York City cost of livingOrem vs Los Angeles cost of livingOrem vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in OremCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in OremRegistered Nurse salary in OremWhere does $100k rank nationally?