Salary Comparison
Crushing: Laredo vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Laredo, TX
$38,812/yr
Chicago, IL
$60,830/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $298 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Laredo
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$38,812
$60,830
$22,018
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,361
$3,701
$1,340
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
70
108
-38 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$1,868
$2,910
$1,042
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$950
$1,750
$800
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$493
$791
$298
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.26×
1.27×
-0.01×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Laredo — Full Details
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.