Salary Comparison
Physicians: Lancaster vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lancaster, CA
$77,840/yr
Chicago, IL
$215,680/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $8,029 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Lancaster
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$77,840
$215,680
$137,840
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,735
$13,121
$8,386
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
95
108
-13 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,553
$2,910
$357
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,450
$1,750
$300
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,182
$10,211
$8,029
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.85×
4.51×
-2.66×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-3
A vs B
Lancaster — 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.