Salary Comparison
Construction Laborers: Milwaukee vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Milwaukee, WI
$46,785/yr
Chicago, IL
$68,410/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $681 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$46,785
$68,410
$21,625
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,846
$4,162
$1,316
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
85
108
-23 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,275
$2,910
$635
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,240
$1,750
$510
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$571
$1,252
$681
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.25×
1.43×
-0.18×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
5/10 (Tight)
-1
A vs B
Milwaukee — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.