Can I Afford to Live in Chicago vs Guadalajara on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Chicago, IL
$4,730/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (40% of take-home)
Tight
Guadalajara, MX
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $520/mo (10% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Chicago
IL
Guadalajara
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,730
$5,057Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,900
$520Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$388
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$105Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$165
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,107/month
$3,927/month
Guadalajara (Jalisco) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Chicago (IL rate: 4.9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Chicago?

At $80K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,730. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 40% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $80K a good salary in Guadalajara?

At $80K/year in Guadalajara, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $520/month, rent takes up 10% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Guadalajara leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,927/month vs $2,107/month in Chicago.

Can I afford to live alone in Chicago on $80K?

It's tight. Rent in Chicago would take 40% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Chicago vs Guadalajara

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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