Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Chicago vs Houston
Move Value
+$13k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
6/10
Chicago: 7/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$129k
± $112k confidence band
| Chicago | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $134k | $122k |
| State + local income tax | 4.9% | None |
| After-tax income | $96k | $94k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 121 | 102 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2219/mo | $1619/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $79k | $92k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 65 · Strong | 18 · Thin |
| Walkability (0–10) | 9 | 3 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 7 | 5 |
Who should make this move
Choose Houston if…
- ·You want $13k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $129k ahead.
- ·Energy and medical jobs at one of America's lowest big-city costs.
Stay in Chicago if…
- ·Career Velocity is higher in Chicago (7/10 vs 6/10) for your field.
- ·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.