City comparison
Chicago vs New York
New York scores higher on salary; Chicago has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and New York on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.
Overall verdict
Chicago scores higher overall
You increase opportunity but also increase pressure in New York
How they compare
If you want to save more
ChicagoOverall fitNew York
62 / 57+5 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsNew York
58 / 50+8 Chicago
ChicagoCareerNew York
73 / 90+17 New
ChicagoLow pressureNew York
63 / 46+17 Chicago
If you want career growth
ChicagoOverall fitNew York
68 / 73+5 New
ChicagoSavingsNew York
58 / 50+8 Chicago
ChicagoCareerNew York
73 / 90+17 New
ChicagoLow pressureNew York
63 / 46+17 Chicago
If you want better balance
ChicagoOverall fitNew York
66 / 65+1 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsNew York
58 / 50+8 Chicago
ChicagoCareerNew York
73 / 90+17 New
ChicagoLow pressureNew York
63 / 46+17 Chicago
Financial impact: moving from Chicago to New York
Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.
-$354
Monthly
-$4,248
1 year
-$12,744
3 years
Moving from Chicago to New York: trade-offs
You gain
+Higher career ceiling — New York has stronger job market depth and salary upside
You lose
−-$354/mo estimated net reduction — $4,248 over the first year
−Higher cost pressure — rent will consume a larger share of your income
Get a personalised verdict for your salary
The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.
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Also see: New York vs Chicago →