Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Chicago vs Philadelphia
Move Value
+$17k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
Chicago: 7/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$189k
± $127k confidence band
| Chicago | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $134k | $128k |
| State + local income tax | 4.9% | None |
| After-tax income | $96k | $98k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 121 | 102 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2219/mo | $1901/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $79k | $96k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 65 · Strong | 18 · Thin |
| Walkability (0–10) | 9 | 8 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 7 | 6 |
Who should make this move
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ·You want $17k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your field's Career Velocity is at least as good in Philly (7/10).
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $189k ahead.
- ·East Coast walkability and culture at a Midwest cost.
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.