Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 6.4% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $479 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $144,255.319 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 24.6% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $479 per month, or $5745 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $479/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$479

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$241K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Chicago, IL	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $754less	24.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $260less	15.4%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$607/mo	↑ $87.43more	16.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $74.94more	7.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$607/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.6%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$754

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$260

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.8%

Chicago, IL

$519

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$87.43

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$74.94

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$595

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$12.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Chicago, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,280

↓ $320

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,390

↓ $320

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,660

↓ $265

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,990

↓ $490

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$822

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Philadelphia

$305K

Median Value

$241K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 21% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$235

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.