Salary Comparison
Physicists: Mansfield vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Mansfield, TX
$202,610/yr
Chicago, IL
$131,260/yr
Our recommendation: Mansfield, TX
Mansfield offers $4,761 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Mansfield
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$202,610
$131,260
+$71,350
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$12,325
$7,985
+$4,340
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
96
108
-12 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,489
$2,910
$421
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,431
$1,750
$319
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$9,836
$5,075
+$4,761
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.95×
2.74×
+2.21×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+1
A vs B
Mansfield — 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.