Salary Comparison
Construction Managers: Chicago vs Lowell
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chicago, IL
$118,830/yr
Lowell, MA
$156,590/yr
Our recommendation: Lowell, MA
Lowell offers $2,349 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chicago
Lowell
Diff (A−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
106
+2 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,910
$2,858
+$52
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$1,650
+$100
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,319
$6,668
$2,349
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.48×
3.33×
-0.85×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-2
A vs B
Chicago — 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.