Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Chicago vs Dallas
Move Value
+$11k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
Chicago: 7/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$141k
± $115k confidence band
| Chicago | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $134k | $132k |
| State + local income tax | 4.9% | None |
| After-tax income | $96k | $101k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 121 | 112 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2219/mo | $1660/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $79k | $90k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 65 · Strong | 18 · Thin |
| Walkability (0–10) | 9 | 4 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 7 | 5 |
Who should make this move
Choose Dallas if…
- ·You want $11k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your field's Career Velocity is at least as good in Dallas (7/10).
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $141k ahead.
- ·Corporate HQ magnet with zero state income tax and room to grow.
Stay in Chicago if…
- ·You're optimizing for what Chicago uniquely offers: coastal-grade density and culture, inland cost basis.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.