Salary Comparison
Electronics Engineers: Chicago vs Washington
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chicago, IL
$118,230/yr
Washington, DC
$145,712/yr
Our recommendation: Washington, DC
Washington offers $1,027 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chicago
Washington
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$118,230
$145,712
$27,482
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,192
$8,864
$1,672
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
132
-24 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,910
$3,555
$645
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$2,180
$430
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,282
$5,309
$1,027
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.47×
2.49×
-0.02×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Chicago — Full Details
Washington — 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.