Illinois/Chicago Low Pay!!

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Specifically, Chicago. Why.....WHY is the pay here for nurses SO low in comparison to COL?! For reference, I am a new grad coming up on my year mark and after doing some research and talking with other fellow nurses (experienced) I have come to the realization that nurses, across the board, are severely underpaid in Chicago. regardless of years of experience—regardless of whether you decided to "job hop" (which people have stated increases your likelihood of pay increase vs remaining loyal to one organization for X years)—it doesn't seem to make much of a difference in the pay we see. 

To put things in perspective, I work in a level 4 NICU and interviewed for a part-time position out in one of the suburbs at an assisted living facility. Very laid back type of setting, not skilled in any way. Explain to me how an ALF out in a suburb is offering more (base) than a critical care specialty located in the heart of DT Chicago? Can't seem to wrap my head around it. 
 

I realized nurses everywhere (well most places) are overworked and underpaid but jeez...For Chicago to be the 3rd largest city in the states with a high COL, I would think they'd offer more. 

Are there any nurses here who currently work in Chicago and/or Illinois in general? What's your experience with this? My hospital isn't unionized btw. 

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