Salary Comparison
Materials Scientists: Yakima vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Yakima, WA
$100,834/yr
Chicago, IL
$130,440/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $1,171 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Yakima
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$100,834
$130,440
$29,606
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,134
$7,935
$1,801
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
88
108
-20 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,280
$2,910
$630
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,311
$1,750
$439
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,854
$5,025
$1,171
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.69×
2.73×
-0.04×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Yakima — 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.