The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Construction Laborers: Jackson vs Chicago

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

Jackson, MS

$42,775/yr

Take-home$2,602/mo
Disposable$665/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
Best Value

Chicago, IL

$68,410/yr

Take-home$4,162/mo
Disposable$1,252/mo
Lifestyle5/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Chicago, IL

Chicago offers $587 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Jackson

Chicago

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$42,775

$68,410

$25,635

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$2,602

$4,162

$1,560

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

72

108

-36 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$1,937

$2,910

$973

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$980

$1,750

$770

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$665

$1,252

$587

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

1.34ร—

1.43ร—

-0.09ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

5/10 (Tight)

5/10 (Tight)

+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.