Salary in Chicago 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living
Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. Illinois state tax verified April 2026.
80
COL Index (NYC=100)
$1,850/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$3,960
State Tax ($80K)
$52,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)
Your Take-Home in Chicago
$
$80,000/yr in Chicago
$5,079/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
Illinois State Tax$3,960
Annual Take-Home$60,948
Is $X a Good Salary in Chicago?
| Annual | Take-Home/mo | Rent/Take-Home | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,323 | 56% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $4,807 | 38% | Solid |
| $100,000 | $6,169 | 30% | Excellent |
| $150,000 | $8,843 | 21% | Excellent |
Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.
MIT Living Wage, Chicago (Illinois)
$52,000/yr
Single adult
$140,000/yr
Family of 4
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.
Cost of Living in Chicago, IL (Numbeo Q1 2026)
80 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
75 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
85 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$105/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent
Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in Chicago
Loop (premium), Lincoln Park ($1,800-3,500), Wicker Park ($1,700-3,000), Logan Square ($1,400-2,500), Pilsen ($1,200-2,000)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.
Top Employers in Chicago
United Airlines, Boeing, Deere & Co, Advocate Aurora Health, McDonald's
Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.
Chicago vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr
Illinois state income tax: see full rate breakdown at incometaxbystate.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros
Chicago Salary FAQ
What is a good salary in Chicago in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in Chicago is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in Chicago, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and Illinois state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in Chicago needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in Chicago?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for Chicago (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in Chicago?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in Chicago pays federal income tax plus FICA. Illinois state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does Chicago have a city income tax?+
Chicago does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does Chicago compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for Chicago (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.