The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Construction Managers: Chicago vs Boston

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

Chicago, IL

$118,830/yr

Take-home$7,229/mo
Disposable$4,319/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Boston, MA

$156,590/yr

Take-home$9,526/mo
Disposable$5,616/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Boston, MA

Boston offers $1,297 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Chicago

Boston

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$118,830

$156,590

$37,760

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$7,229

$9,526

$2,297

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

108

146

-38 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,910

$3,910

$1,000

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,750

$2,490

$740

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$4,319

$5,616

$1,297

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.48ร—

2.44ร—

+0.04ร—

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.