Salary Comparison

Full Stack Developer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Chicago, IL

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Boston, MA
$171,382
/ year
+20%
difference
Chicago, IL
$142,740
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite Boston paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$171,382✓ higher
$142,740
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$110,832✓ higher
$92,309
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$265,012✓ higher
$220,722
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$114,361✓ higher
$96,863
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$122,416
$124,122✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$110,832✓ higher
$92,309
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$265,012✓ higher
$220,722

What if you move from Boston to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$28,642
20% decrease
Take-home change
$17,498
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,706
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Boston, MA$171,382
P10: $110,832Median: $171,382P90: $265,012
Chicago, IL$142,740
P10: $92,309Median: $142,740P90: $220,722

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Full Stack Developer earn more in Boston or Chicago?

The median Full Stack Developer salary in Boston, MA is $171,382/yr compared to $142,740/yr in Chicago, IL. Boston pays 20% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Full Stack Developer salary worth more in Boston or Chicago after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $122,416/yr in a median-cost city, vs $124,122/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Full Stack Developer in Boston vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a Full Stack Developer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $114,361/yr, vs $96,863/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.