Moving from Minneapolis to Chicago?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle in Chicago, you'd need to earn:
$74,126/year
▼ $874 less than you make now
| Category | Minneapolis | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $74,126 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,922 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,596 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,075 |
| State Tax | -$4,628 | -$3,669 |
| Take-Home Pay | $56,521 | $56,864 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -1.2% in Chicago
- Housing is +0.2% in Chicago
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $915/year in taxes in Chicago
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~355 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Minneapolis to Chicago
| Your Minneapolis Salary | Chicago Equivalent | Difference | Chicago Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $39,534 | -$466 | $31,847 |
| $50,000 | $49,417 | -$583 | $39,299 |
| $60,000 | $59,301 | -$699 | $46,751 |
| $75,000 | $74,126 | -$874 | $56,864 |
| $100,000 | $98,834 | -$1,166 | $73,023 |
| $150,000 | $148,251 | -$1,749 | $104,744 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Minneapolis and Chicago Compare
Housing (0% more expensive in Chicago)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago rents for $1,975/month compared to $1,330/month in Minneapolis. Median home prices: $374,000 in Chicago vs $327,000 in Minneapolis.
Taxes
Minnesota has a progressive state income tax from 5.3% to 9.8%. Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Chicago would save you about $915/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Chicago's overall cost of living is 1.2% lower than Minneapolis, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Minneapolis: 104.8, Chicago: 103.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Minneapolis to Chicago move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Chicago
Average 1BR rent in Chicago: $1,975/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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