Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

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

San Francisco, CA
$206,940
/ year
+44%
difference
Chicago, IL
$144,124
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$206,940✓ higher
$144,124
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$133,827✓ higher
$93,204
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$319,996✓ higher
$222,862
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$138,541✓ higher
$97,698
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$123,179
$125,325✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$133,827✓ higher
$93,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$319,996✓ higher
$222,862

What if you move from San Francisco to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$62,816
44% decrease
Take-home change
$40,843
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,146
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

San Francisco, CA$206,940
P10: $133,827Median: $206,940P90: $319,996
Chicago, IL$144,124
P10: $93,204Median: $144,124P90: $222,862

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

San Francisco vs New YorkSan Francisco vs Los AngelesSan Francisco vs HoustonSan Francisco vs PhoenixSan Francisco vs PhiladelphiaSan Francisco vs San AntonioAll iOS Developer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in San Francisco or Chicago?

The median iOS Developer salary in San Francisco, CA is $206,940/yr compared to $144,124/yr in Chicago, IL. San Francisco pays 44% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $123,179/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 San Francisco vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $138,541/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.