Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85

Chicago is 15% more expensive than Philadelphia.

$1,380/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 4%
$75,134/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,698/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$232,400 ↓ 26%
$1,502/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,233/mo ↓ 18%
2,707,648
Population
1,582,432

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 85 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $14,436/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $232,400 in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Philadelphia — common questions

Is Chicago or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Philadelphia?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Philadelphia it's $1,323/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,698 in Philadelphia. Median household income is $14,436/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Philadelphia?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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