Salary Comparison
Plumbers: Carson vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Carson, CA
$65,110/yr
Chicago, IL
$98,890/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $2,335 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Carson
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$65,110
$98,890
$33,780
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,961
$6,016
$2,055
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
119
108
+11 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$3,190
$2,910
+$280
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,950
$1,750
+$200
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$771
$3,106
$2,335
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.24×
2.07×
-0.83×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-4
A vs B
Carson — 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.