Salary Comparison
Physicians: Chicago vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chicago, IL
$215,680/yr
Irvine, CA
$77,840/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $9,454 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chicago
Irvine
Diff (A−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
148
-40 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,910
$3,978
$1,068
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$2,580
$830
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$10,211
$757
+$9,454
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.51×
1.19×
+3.32×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
4/10 (Tight)
+6
A vs B
Chicago — Full Details
Irvine — 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.