Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Chicago vs San Francisco

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Chicago$4,786

San Francisco$4,842

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Chicago$1,781

San Francisco$2,912

Left after rent

Chicago$3,005

San Francisco$1,930

Thinking about moving from Chicago to San Francisco on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,786/mo in Chicago and $4,842/mo in San Francisco after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,005/mo in Chicago vs $1,930/mo in San Francisco. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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