Salary Comparison
Crushing: Pasadena vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Pasadena, CA
$41,910/yr
Chicago, IL
$60,830/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $1,941 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Pasadena
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$41,910
$60,830
$18,920
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,550
$3,701
$1,151
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
138
108
+30 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,700
$2,910
+$790
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$2,350
$1,750
+$600
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$-1,150
$791
$1,941
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
0.69×
1.27×
-0.58×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
1/10 (Tight)
4/10 (Tight)
-3
A vs B
Pasadena — 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.