Can I Afford to Live in Boulder vs Chicago on $120K?
Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Boulder CO | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,715 | $6,665 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $414 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $80 | $105 |
| Utilities | $138 | $165 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $3,715/month | $4,042/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Boulder?
At $120K/year in Boulder, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,715. With 1BR rent around $2,300/month, rent takes up 34% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $120K a good salary in Chicago?
At $120K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,665. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Chicago leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,042/month vs $3,715/month in Boulder.
Can I afford to live alone in Boulder on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Boulder, rent takes 34% of your take-home, leaving $3,715/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
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