Can I Afford to Live in Long Beach vs Chicago on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Long Beach, CA
$3,328/mo take-home
Rent: $2,400/mo (72% of take-home)
Difficult
Chicago, IL
$3,548/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (54% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Long Beach
CA
Chicago
IL
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,328
$3,548Best ✓
1BR rent
$2,400
$1,900Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$410
$388Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$100Best ✓
$105
Utilities
$148Best ✓
$165
Internet
$68
$65Best ✓
Left after essentials
$202/month
$925/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Long Beach?

At $60K/year in Long Beach, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,328. With 1BR rent around $2,400/month, rent takes up 72% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $60K a good salary in Chicago?

At $60K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,548. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 54% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Chicago leaves you with more money after core expenses — $925/month vs $202/month in Long Beach.

Can I afford to live alone in Long Beach on $60K?

It's tight. Rent in Long Beach would take 72% of your $60K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Long Beach vs Chicago

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