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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Pittsburgh is 48% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,221/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 52%
$64,137/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 135%
$193,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 164%
$1,136/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 90%
303,620
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $86,800/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Naperville — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Naperville?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Naperville?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $86,800/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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