Can I Afford to Live in Boston vs Chicago on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Boston MA | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,319 | $8,331 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $418 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $90 | $105 |
| Utilities | $185 | $165 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $4,556/month | $5,708/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Boston?
At $150K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,319. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $150K a good salary in Chicago?
At $150K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,331. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Chicago leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,708/month vs $4,556/month in Boston.
Can I afford to live alone in Boston on $150K?
It's tight. Rent in Boston would take 36% of your $150K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only