Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Houston vs Chicago
Move Value
−$13k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
Houston: 6/10 → step-up
10-Year Outlook
−$130k
± $112k confidence band
| Houston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $122k | $134k |
| State + local income tax | None | 4.9% |
| After-tax income | $94k | $96k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 102 | 121 |
| Median 1BR rent | $1619/mo | $2219/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $92k | $79k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 18 · Thin | 65 · Strong |
| Walkability (0–10) | 3 | 9 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 5 | 7 |
Who should make this move
Choose Chicago if…
- ·Your field's Career Velocity is at least as good in Chicago (7/10).
- ·Coastal-grade density and culture, inland cost basis.
Stay in Houston if…
- ·You'd lose $13k of real income annually.
- ·Your 10-year picture is $130k better if you stay.
- ·You're optimizing for what Houston uniquely offers: energy and medical jobs at one of america's lowest big-city costs.
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.