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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,380/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 15%
$315,200 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 39%
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 24%
2,707,648
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $10,997/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Chicago or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $10,997/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 Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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