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Boston vs Chicago Cost of Living

Chicago is 30% less expensive than Boston

Boston, MA

Cost of Living Index 152.2
H-1B Avg Salary $135,570
H-1B Filings 1,158
View full H-1B data →

Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Index 107.3
H-1B Avg Salary $131,704
H-1B Filings 1,634
View full H-1B data →

A $100,000 salary in Boston equals $70,499 in Chicago

Salary Conversion Table

What your salary in Boston is worth in Chicago

Boston Chicago Difference
$50,000 = $35,250 $-14,750
$60,000 = $42,300 $-17,700
$70,000 = $49,350 $-20,650
$75,000 = $52,875 $-22,125
$80,000 = $56,399 $-23,601
$90,000 = $63,449 $-26,551
$100,000 = $70,499 $-29,501
$110,000 = $77,549 $-32,451
$120,000 = $84,599 $-35,401
$125,000 = $88,124 $-36,876
$130,000 = $91,649 $-38,351
$140,000 = $98,699 $-41,301
$150,000 = $105,749 $-44,251
$160,000 = $112,799 $-47,201
$175,000 = $123,374 $-51,626
$180,000 = $126,899 $-53,101
$200,000 = $140,999 $-59,001
$225,000 = $158,624 $-66,376
$250,000 = $176,248 $-73,752
$300,000 = $211,498 $-88,502

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago more expensive than Boston? +

No, Chicago is 30% less expensive than Boston. The cost of living index is 107.3 compared to 152.2.

What salary do I need in Chicago to live like I do in Boston? +

To maintain your current standard of living, multiply your Boston salary by 0.70. For example, a $100,000 salary would need to be $70,499 in Chicago.

What are the biggest cost differences between the cities? +

Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities. Other significant factors include transportation costs, groceries, and healthcare expenses. Use our detailed comparison above to understand the overall cost difference.