Can I Afford to Live in Chicago vs Rapid City 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.

Chicago, IL
$5,913/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (32% of take-home)
Manageable
Rapid City, SD
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (19% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Chicago
IL
Rapid City
SD
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,913
$6,321Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,900
$1,200Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$388
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$105
$40Best ✓
Utilities
$165
$148Best ✓
Internet
$65Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$3,290/month
$4,503/month
Rapid City (South Dakota) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Chicago (IL rate: 4.9%).

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 Rapid City?

At $100K/year in Rapid City, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Rapid City leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,503/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%.

Compare other salary bands — Chicago vs Rapid City

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$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