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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Philadelphia, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

0.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
4.8% 4.8% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.8% more
Chicago
105
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Chicago
104
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Chicago
114
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Chicago
103
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 6.9% more
Chicago
101
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index107108~Same
Housing1051104.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,50011.8% less
Median Home Price$310,000$280,0009.7% less
Groceries104106~Same
Transportation114112~Same
Healthcare103105~Same
Utilities1011086.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax4.95%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Philadelphia to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Chicago is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Philadelphia?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.