Salary Comparison
Physicists: Chicago vs Cleveland
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chicago, IL
$131,260/yr
Cleveland, OH
$225,930/yr
Our recommendation: Cleveland, OH
Cleveland offers $6,669 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chicago
Cleveland
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$131,260
$225,930
$94,670
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$7,985
$13,744
$5,759
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
108
74
+34 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,910
$2,000
+$910
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,750
$1,020
+$730
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$5,075
$11,744
$6,669
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.74×
6.87×
-4.13×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Chicago — Full Details
Cleveland — 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.