That's why I didn't put a pound or dollar sign. Makes no difference its a low income to start a new life with over here.

Depends how old they are?

I wouldn't say that $75,000 is a low income at all, however, if only one person is working then that makes a difference.

Exactly and the OP was talking about Chicago not Hicksville USA.

I know plenty of people over here that make no where near that between two of them.

Mind you if the OP's wife is setting the branch up etc I'd push for more.

Well, I am sure there are lots of Americans who struggle to get by.

Now why anyone would want to give up a good life in the UK in order to try and live at subsistence level in Chicago isn't clear to me.

Thank goodness someone is on the same wavelength.

Actually, come to think of it: it could be an interesting experience!

If they are literary, there could even be a good book in it...

Who knows, if it were published and became a bestseller it might get some of those wannabe-Floridians to stop and reflect

OK I am going to try and take a look at this from a different angle, no judgement on previous respondants intended.

So far most of the answers seem to only deal with money and in some respects quite rightly but there is more to life. Things may be a little tight to begin with, maybe even for a long time, whether or not this is a problem depends on your outlook on life. This can be offset by the fact it would be the begining of a great adventure offering lots og new though not necessarily better opportunities than are available now.
I have gone through periods in life where I have done not much more than subsisted and also had periods of being quite flush. In my honest opinion that in itself has no bearing whatsoever on your state of wellbeing, in fact I would almost suggest the opposite and say that many of my happiest times were when I was living on a shoestring. Whilst I am not suggesting for a moment that you strive to be broke, I am encouraging you to take all factors that make you happy or otherwise into your decision.

Good luck

Too true money isn't everything in life.

Oh women

It depends where in Chicago.... a reasonable part like where BigDavy lives is nice and the rent isn't astronomical.

I would say, if it is $40k they'll have to manage with one car, and not much going out.

If it's $74k, I don't think they'll have much of a problem at all in the 'burbs.

If it's $40k the health insurance and other bennies should be VERY good, and she should get a very reasonable holiday allowance per year (eg at least four weeks).

If they value her enough to entrust her with starting a branch here, then surely decent compensation should be forthcoming. Sometimes you can negotiate trips back home to see relatives, moving costs, etc.

If it's $40k and not 40k GBP and they want her to pay moving expenses, have mediocre health insurance with high deductibles and copays, and two weeks of vacation.... no way.

That's what I was going to say. $75K for two people in Chicago isn't a King's ransom, but you'd hardly "struggle". A good suburb typically does have an average household income of about twice that, but $75K is hardly poverty-line wages. A couple making that much should be able to afford rent in an OK area, they just wont be able to go to Trotter's on Friday nights. $40K...that another story.

Chicago is a lot cheaper than the big coastal cities but more expensive than southern cities.

Typical families are on $150K PA! Holy crap, I'm moving!