Tech
Software Engineer Salary · Chicago vs Austin
Net pay, tax drag, and purchasing power modeled for 2025 offers. Built for relocating teams, expats, and comp committees.
Net pay
Chicago
$112,449
25.0% effective rate
Net pay
Austin
$112,449
25.0% effective rate
Annual delta
Spread
+$0
Chicago advantage
City
Chicago
The Midwest’s trading and private equity hub with comparatively moderate housing costs.
Median professional income
$78,500
Role modeled
Software Engineer
Gross base
$150,000
Net after tax
$112,449
Cost-of-living index
56
Rent index
84
City
Austin
A rapidly expanding tech hub benefiting from Texas’s zero state income tax policy.
Median professional income
$78,500
Role modeled
Software Engineer
Gross base
$150,000
Net after tax
$112,449
Cost-of-living index
67
Rent index
56
Purchasing power
Net income vs lifestyle drag
Chicago
$9,371
Austin
$9,371
Cost-of-living deep dive
Flip into the COL template for this exact pair. See rent burdens, discretionary drift, and PPP commentary.
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