Is Los Angeles, CA or Chicago, IL cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Chicago, IL leaves you more: $35,950/yr. On $120,000, Los Angeles, CA leaves $30,830/yr in pocket (state tax $11,160, housing $48,430) vs Chicago, IL's $66,780 (state tax $5,940, housing $17,700).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (California: 9.30% vs Illinois: 4.95%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL: cost of living on $120,000

Chicago, IL +$35,950/yr On $120,000, Los Angeles, CA leaves $30,830/yr in pocket vs Chicago, IL's $66,780 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Los Angeles, CA	Chicago, IL
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$11,160 (9.30%)	$5,940 (4.95%)
After-tax income	$79,260	$84,480
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$48,430	$17,700
Real money in pocket	$30,830	$66,780

Verified 2026-06-23 · 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 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Los Angeles, CA or Chicago, IL cheaper?: On $120,000, Chicago, IL — by $35,950/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (California 9.30% vs Illinois 4.95%) and housing cost.

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