Chicago vs New York City

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $120,510 in New York City.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Chicago feels like $120,510 in New York City. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 72%.

Income
Housing

Chicago

New York City

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
high
1BR Rent
$1,581/mo
 
$2,655/mo
State Tax
IL tax applies
 
NY tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,514
 
$4,403
Remote Work Fit
Chicago is a strong remote work city for those who value urban density, transit, and cultural richness at costs substantially below coastal peers.
 
Remote workers who relocate to NYC gain career network density and cultural access, but face some of the highest housing costs in the country. The calculation often favors those whose remote income is calibrated to coastal-market pay scales.
Walk Score
77
 
88
Comfortable
$60-80k · Chicago vs New York City
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,514/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Chicago, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Chicago and New York City each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Chicago vs New York City — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or New York City?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,581/mo in Chicago and $2,655/mo in New York City. Chicago has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in New York City to match Chicago?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $120,510 in New York City — a gain of about 72% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Chicago and New York City?

Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax) and New York City is in NY (NY 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.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.