Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA

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

Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
+4%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$138,481
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta offers better purchasing power despite Chicago paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$144,124✓ higher
$138,481
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$93,204✓ higher
$89,555
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$222,862✓ higher
$214,136
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$97,698✓ higher
$94,293
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$125,325
$131,887✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$93,204✓ higher
$89,555
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$222,862✓ higher
$214,136

What if you move from Chicago to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$5,643
4% decrease
Take-home change
$3,405
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$6,562
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

Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862
Atlanta, GA$138,481
P10: $89,555Median: $138,481P90: $214,136

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median iOS Developer salary in Chicago, IL is $144,124/yr compared to $138,481/yr in Atlanta, GA. Chicago pays 4% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in Chicago or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $125,325/yr in a median-cost city, vs $131,887/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $97,698/yr, vs $94,293/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.