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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA

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

10.3% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
16.2% 16.2% cheaper housing
3.8% 3.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.2% cheaper
Chicago
105
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 3.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 8.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 4.9% cheaper
Chicago
103
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Chicago
101
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing1058816.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,20029.4% less
Median Home Price$310,000$225,00027.4% less
Groceries1041003.8% less
Transportation1141048.8% less
Healthcare103984.9% less
Utilities1011043.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Pittsburgh, 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
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Pittsburgh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 16.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Pittsburgh?+
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 Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.