Is Chicago, IL or Columbus, OH cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Columbus, OH leaves you more: $2,966/yr. On $120,000, Chicago, IL leaves $66,486/yr in pocket (state tax $5,940, housing $17,994) vs Columbus, OH's $69,452 (state tax $4,200, housing $16,768).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Illinois: 4.95% vs Ohio: 3.50%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH

Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH: cost of living on $120,000

Columbus, OH +$2,966/yr On $120,000, Chicago, IL leaves $66,486/yr in pocket vs Columbus, OH's $69,452 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Chicago, IL	Columbus, OH
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$5,940 (4.95%)	$4,200 (3.50%)
After-tax income	$84,480	$86,220
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$17,994	$16,768
Real money in pocket	$66,486	$69,452

Verified 2026-08-07 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-06.

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FAQ

Is Chicago, IL or Columbus, OH cheaper?: On $120,000, Columbus, OH — by $2,966/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Illinois 4.95% vs Ohio 3.50%) and housing cost.

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