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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Pittsburgh is 25% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,221/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 23%
$64,137/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 2%
$193,200 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 20%
$1,136/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 14%
303,620
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $1,400/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Springfield — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Springfield?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Springfield?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,400/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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