Salary Comparison

iOS 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
$181,151
/ year
+26%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$181,151✓ higher
$144,124
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$117,150✓ higher
$93,204
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$280,118✓ higher
$222,862
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$121,004✓ higher
$97,698
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$129,394✓ higher
$125,325
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$117,150✓ higher
$93,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$280,118✓ higher
$222,862

What if you move from Boston to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$37,027
26% decrease
Take-home change
$23,306
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$4,069
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$181,151
P10: $117,150Median: $181,151P90: $280,118
Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in Boston or Chicago?

The median iOS Developer salary in Boston, MA is $181,151/yr compared to $144,124/yr in Chicago, IL. Boston pays 26% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS 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 $129,394/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,325/yr for Chicago. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $121,004/yr, vs $97,698/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.