The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Physicians: Chicago vs Burbank

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Best Value

Chicago, IL

$215,680/yr

Take-home$13,121/mo
Disposable$10,211/mo
Lifestyle10/10 ยท Comfortable

Burbank, CA

$77,840/yr

Take-home$4,735/mo
Disposable$912/mo
Lifestyle4/10 ยท Tight
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Chicago, IL

Chicago offers $9,299 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Chicago

Burbank

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$215,680

$77,840

+$137,840

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$13,121

$4,735

+$8,386

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

108

142

-34 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,910

$3,823

$913

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,750

$2,450

$700

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$10,211

$912

+$9,299

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

4.51ร—

1.24ร—

+3.27ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

10/10 (Comfortable)

4/10 (Tight)

+6

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.