Moving from Boston to Chicago?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in Chicago, you'd need to earn:
$71,768/year
▼ $3,232 less than you make now
| Category | Boston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $71,768 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,403 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,450 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,041 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$3,553 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $55,322 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -4.3% in Chicago
- Housing is -24.5% in Chicago
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $38/year in taxes in Chicago
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~849 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to Chicago
| Your Boston Salary | Chicago Equivalent | Difference | Chicago Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,276 | -$1,724 | $30,899 |
| $50,000 | $47,845 | -$2,155 | $38,114 |
| $60,000 | $57,414 | -$2,586 | $45,329 |
| $75,000 | $71,768 | -$3,232 | $55,322 |
| $100,000 | $95,690 | -$4,310 | $70,967 |
| $150,000 | $143,535 | -$6,465 | $101,754 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and Chicago Compare
Housing (25% cheaper in Chicago)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago rents for $1,975/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $374,000 in Chicago vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Chicago would save you about $38/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Chicago's overall cost of living is 4.3% lower than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, Chicago: 103.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to Chicago move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Chicago
Average 1BR rent in Chicago: $1,975/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →