Chicago vs Columbus
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $51,926 in Columbus.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Chicago feels like $51,926 in Columbus. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 26%.
Chicago
Columbus
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Chicago, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Chicago and Columbus each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Chicago vs Columbus — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or Columbus?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,581/mo in Chicago and $1,194/mo in Columbus. Columbus has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Columbus to match Chicago?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $51,926 in Columbus — a reduction of about 26% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Chicago and Columbus?
Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax) and Columbus is in OH (OH levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.