The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Arbitrators: Rockford vs Chicago

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Rockford, IL

$64,321/yr

Take-home$3,913/mo
Disposable$2,006/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Chicago, IL

$107,010/yr

Take-home$6,510/mo
Disposable$3,600/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Chicago, IL

Chicago offers $1,594 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Rockford

Chicago

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$64,321

$107,010

$42,689

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$3,913

$6,510

$2,597

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

71

108

-37 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,907

$2,910

$1,003

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$950

$1,750

$800

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,006

$3,600

$1,594

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.05ร—

2.24ร—

-0.19ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.