Chicago, IL → Minneapolis, MN
You'd keep $384 more a month in Minneapolis
+$4,608 a year for the same registered nurse, the same household size, and the same number of bedrooms.
| Per month | Chicago | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $8,208 | $8,287 | +$78 |
| Income and payroll tax | $2,130 | $2,200 | +$70 |
| Take-home pay | $6,079 | $6,087 | +$8 |
| Rent | $1,828 | $1,369 | −$459 |
| Getting around | $392 | $504 | +$112 |
| Groceries | $408 | $400 | −$8 |
| Healthcare | $459 | $450 | −$9 |
| Utilities | $255 | $250 | −$5 |
| Everything else | $357 | $350 | −$7 |
| Left over | $2,380 | $2,764 | +$384 |
To break even in Minneapolis, you'd need to earn
$92,000
Household gross, versus $98,500 today. That's the salary that leaves you exactly as much at the end of the month as Chicago does now.
The tax difference alone
−$560
A year, in state and local income tax. Effective rates: 25.9% in Chicago, 26.5% in Minneapolis.
Chicago, IL in full
World-class city amenities at Midwest home prices, funded by 2.1% property tax.
Minneapolis, MN in full
Strong wages, good bones, and a January that averages 9°F at night.
The reverse move
Same two cities, but starting from Minneapolis on Minneapolis wages.
Minneapolis → Chicago →Rent is Zillow's asking rent for each metro; taxes and living costs are modelled. An estimate, not a quote or tax advice. How this is calculated.