Boston vs Chicago
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $42,329 in Chicago.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Boston feels like $42,329 in Chicago. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 40%.
Boston
Chicago
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Boston, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.
No city is objectively better. Boston and Chicago each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Boston vs Chicago — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Boston or Chicago?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,476/mo in Boston and $1,581/mo in Chicago. Chicago has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Chicago to match Boston?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $42,329 in Chicago — a reduction of about 40% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Boston and Chicago?
Boston is in MA (MA levies income tax) and Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.