Salary Comparison
Rail Yard Engineers: Hampton vs Chicago
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Hampton, VA
$52,410/yr
Chicago, IL
$65,120/yr
Our recommendation: Chicago, IL
Chicago offers $281 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Hampton
Chicago
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$52,410
$65,120
$12,710
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,188
$3,962
$774
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
108
-18 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,417
$2,910
$493
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,750
$400
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$771
$1,052
$281
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.32×
1.36×
-0.04×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
5/10 (Tight)
+0
A vs B
Hampton — 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.