Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 17.7% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1325 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $134,098.057 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 36.4% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $1325 per month, or $15902 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Chicago, IL

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Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 17.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,325

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.9K

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:82

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

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Chicago, IL	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,117less	36.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $464less	27.6%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $151less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$607/mo	↑ $87.43more	16.8%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$527/mo	↓ $68.15less	11.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$989/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$1,117

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$464

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.8%

Chicago, IL

$519

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$87.43

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.5%

Chicago, IL

$595

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$68.15

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$39.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

↓ $850

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$850

↓ $860

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,050

↓ $875

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,400

↓ $1,080

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$1,753

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Pittsburgh

$305K

Median Value

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

$116K - $611K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Pittsburgh, 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%

Pittsburgh, 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.