Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Phoenix, AZ

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

Chicago, IL
$154,467
/ year
+16%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$132,815
/ year
Bottom line: Phoenix offers better purchasing power despite Chicago paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$154,467✓ higher
$132,815
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$99,893✓ higher
$85,891
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$238,856✓ higher
$205,375
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$103,940✓ higher
$90,873
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$134,319
$136,923✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×
0.97×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$99,893✓ higher
$85,891
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$238,856✓ higher
$205,375

What if you move from Chicago to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$21,652
16% decrease
Take-home change
$13,067
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,604
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$154,467
P10: $99,893Median: $154,467P90: $238,856
Phoenix, AZ$132,815
P10: $85,891Median: $132,815P90: $205,375

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median iOS Developer salary in Chicago, IL is $154,467/yr compared to $132,815/yr in Phoenix, AZ. Chicago pays 16% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $134,319/yr in a median-cost city, vs $136,923/yr for Phoenix. Phoenix offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $103,940/yr, vs $90,873/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.