Salary Comparison
Food Batchmakers: Scranton vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Scranton, PA
$35,869/yr
Chicago, IL
$48,030/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $32 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Scranton
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$35,869
$48,030
$12,161
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,182
$2,922
$740
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
85
108
-23 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,202
$2,910
$708
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,267
$1,750
$483
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$-20
$12
$32
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
0.99×
1.00×
-0.01×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
3/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Scranton — 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.