Is $70,000 a Good Salary in Chicago? (2026)

The Verdict

Within Typical Range

We estimate median professional income in Chicago at roughly $78,500. At $70,000, you sit within this standard range, allowing for a balanced lifestyle.

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Estimated Monthly Allocation

Monthly Net Income

$4,749

Full Tax Breakdown

Housing & Utilities

$2,137

Target 30-35% of net. Covers rent/mortgage in outer districts.

Groceries & Transport

$1,662

Core living expenses adjusted for Chicago CPI.

Lifestyle & Leisure

$712

Dining out, entertainment, and personal care.

Savings & Investment

$237

Remaining allocation for long-term wealth.

Other salary checks in Chicago

Jump to adjacent income bands to stress test lifestyle outcomes.

8 options

$75,000 $60,000 $90,000 $45,000 $110,000 $130,000 $150,000 $180,000

Compare $70,000 across peer hubs

Same salary, different macro-region hubs to benchmark opportunity cost.

Adjust the Numbers

Salary FAQs

What does $70,000 translate to after tax in Chicago?↓

Our deterministic engine estimates roughly $56,985 per year (~$4,749 monthly) after United States income taxes and mandatory social contributions for a single filer.

Can $70,000 comfortably cover housing in Chicago?↓

Allocating about $2,137 (45% of monthly net income) keeps housing and utilities within the recommended 30–35% band even in prime districts.

How much could I save earning $70,000 in Chicago?↓

Following the Sovereign allocation, you could direct roughly $237 per month (5% of take-home pay) toward investments, reserves, or debt payoff.