Did you know where you live influences how much you get paid? As such, you need to know the average salary in U.S. cities before deciding where you want to live.

The difference in pay often has to do with how well the economy performs in each U.S. city. In general, the lower the overall cost of living, the fewer employers pay. Many people find factoring in the average salary in each area helps them choose where to live.

So before you dive into your job search with a top recruiting site such as ZipRecruiter, it’s a good idea to learn about costs and earnings before jumping into a new opportunity.

What is the Average Salary in U.S. Cities?

Overall, the average salary in the United States is $56,310. To give you a more accurate picture of how much you can expect to make, let’s take a look at some of the larger cities.

New York City

Many people who hope to live in New York City use ZipRecruiter to help them find the best job opportunities. ZipRecruiter uses a digital platform to let job seekers browse open positions. If you create a free account, it will match you to employers looking for you!

The Big Apple is notorious for its make-or-break business culture. New York is an excellent place to work for those with enough ambition to climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Yet, this usually comes with a few sacrifices.

The average worker in New York City makes around $81,000 per year. This is a decent amount of money, especially when compared to the national average salary in U.S. cities. But you may not make it right away.

Can You Live in New York City on This Salary?

The people who receive this paycheck have usually reached the level of manager or higher. Some even have sought after qualifications, such as certification as a software engineer.

At the same time, New York comes with skyrocketing housing costs. Renting an apartment in the city often costs $2,000 to upwards of $3,000 per month. Many people who work in New York City actually live either in New Jersey or another part of New York state.

Financial advisors recommend that your housing costs not exceed a third of your overall salary. So, whether or not the average pay would work for you depends on your personal situation.

New York is a very professional city. So, if you have an interview with a New York company, make sure you dress for the part and research the salary of the position you want in that area to make sure you can afford to work there!

Los Angeles

People who find jobs in Los Angeles make, on average $68,118 per year.

Los Angeles residents also face similar challenges as those living in New York do. The cost of buying a home often skyrockets past $650,000. As such, a lot of people in the city have to rent. The cost of rent in Los Angeles averages at around $2,545 per month, which is on par with New York’s costs. These high prices are fueled by the demand for housing in the city.

As such, you might be able to take home more of your salary if you look in the surrounding areas. Many people who make an average of  $68,118 per year save money by living with roommates.

Nevertheless, Los Angeles is a great city for those who want to grow their careers into something more lucrative. With many business executives headquartered in the city, you’ll have the chance to network with great people doing phenomenal things. For many, the payoff is worth it.

Chicago

The average full-time worker in Chicago makes about $50,181 per year. That means the average person makes around $32.75 an hour.

The cost of renting a home in Chicago is $2,091 per month. In fact, Chicago is about 23% less expensive to live in than New York City. Still, the amount you make will largely depend on your job. Some of the lowest paying jobs pay as little as $18,000 per year. You may make less than average if you’re right out of school.

With ZipRecruiter, you can do some research into your own field to see how much someone like you can expect to make in Illinois’s crown jewel city. Determine how it compares to the average salary in U.S. job positions in your industry.

Even though Chicago is still expensive, many people prefer to work there. There is major room for growth in Chicago businesses. The city also boasts vibrant cultural experiences and great opportunities for networking. If you want to live in these cities but aren’t sure how to afford it, try some budgeting apps!

Make More Than the Average Salary in U.S. Cities

If you want to make more than the average salary in U.S. cities, you might need to leave your job. For those looking for better pay, ZipRecruiter is a great resource. Many companies advertise jobs that pay well above the national average. Create a free account today and experience the quick turnaround that most applicants have in getting an interview!