City comparison
Chicago vs San Francisco
San Francisco scores higher on salary; Chicago has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and San Francisco on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.
Overall verdict
San Francisco scores higher overall
San Francisco could put significantly more money in your pocket
How they compare
If you want to save more
ChicagoOverall fitSan Francisco
62 / 65+3 San
ChicagoSavingsSan Francisco
58 / 56+2 Chicago
ChicagoCareerSan Francisco
73 / 96+23 San
ChicagoLow pressureSan Francisco
63 / 60+3 Chicago
If you want career growth
ChicagoOverall fitSan Francisco
68 / 81+13 San
ChicagoSavingsSan Francisco
58 / 56+2 Chicago
ChicagoCareerSan Francisco
73 / 96+23 San
ChicagoLow pressureSan Francisco
63 / 60+3 Chicago
If you want better balance
ChicagoOverall fitSan Francisco
66 / 71+5 San
ChicagoSavingsSan Francisco
58 / 56+2 Chicago
ChicagoCareerSan Francisco
73 / 96+23 San
ChicagoLow pressureSan Francisco
63 / 60+3 Chicago
Financial impact: moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.
+$690
Monthly
+$8,280
1 year
+$24,840
3 years
Moving from Chicago to San Francisco: trade-offs
You gain
++$690/mo estimated net gain — $8,280 over the first year
+Higher career ceiling — San Francisco has stronger job market depth and salary upside
San Francisco
USSalary index
100
Cost index
90
Rent pressure
40
Opportunity
94
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Also see: San Francisco vs Chicago →