Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
New York, NY vs Chicago, IL

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

New York, NY
$161,510
/ year
+12%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite New York paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
New York
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$161,510✓ higher
$144,124
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$104,448✓ higher
$93,204
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$249,747✓ higher
$222,862
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$108,191✓ higher
$97,698
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$111,386
$125,325✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$104,448✓ higher
$93,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$249,747✓ higher
$222,862

What if you move from New York to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$17,386
12% decrease
Take-home change
$10,493
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$13,939
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

New York, NY$161,510
P10: $104,448Median: $161,510P90: $249,747
Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in New York or Chicago?

The median iOS Developer salary in New York, NY is $161,510/yr compared to $144,124/yr in Chicago, IL. New York pays 12% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $111,386/yr in a median-cost city, vs $125,325/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in New York, NY takes home approximately $108,191/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.