Can I Afford to Live in Chicago vs Chattanooga on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Chicago IL | Chattanooga TN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,913 | $6,321 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $388 | $357 |
| Transport (est.) | $105 | $45 |
| Utilities | $165 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $3,290/month | $4,446/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Chicago?
At $100K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,913. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 32% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $100K a good salary in Chattanooga?
At $100K/year in Chattanooga, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 20% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Chattanooga leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,446/month vs $3,290/month in Chicago.
Can I afford to live alone in Chicago on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Chicago, rent takes 32% of your take-home, leaving $3,290/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