Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Des Plaines, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 10.1% cheaper than Des Plaines, IL. This translates to saving $761 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Des Plaines, IL, you'd need approximately $140,872.147 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 22.9% cheaper than in Des Plaines, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,472/month in Des Plaines, IL.

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

Moving from Des Plaines, IL to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $761 per month, or $9128 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Plaines, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Plaines, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Des Plaines, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $761/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.9K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$761

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.1K

Per year

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

Des Plaines, IL

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$310K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:90

Des Plaines, IL

The Prairie State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 58K residents.

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: Des Plaines, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Des Plaines, IL	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $580less	22.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $324less	21.0%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$607/mo	↑ $110more	22.1%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$527/mo	↓ $42.70less	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$989/mo	↑ $4.08more	0.4%
📦Other	$1,610/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $3.43less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.9%

Des Plaines, IL

$2,529

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$580

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.0%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,539

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$324

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.1%

Des Plaines, IL

$497

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$110

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$569

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$42.70

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Des Plaines, IL

$985

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$4.08

📦Other

↓ 0.2%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,610

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$3.43

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Plaines, 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$1,223

To$750

↓ $473

1 Bed

From$1,308

To$850

↓ $458

2 Bed

From$1,472

To$1,050

↓ $422

3 Bed

From$1,892

To$1,400

↓ $492

Des Plaines, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$1,680/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.

$7,730

Monthly in Des Plaines, IL

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$836

Difference

Home Values

Des Plaines

Pittsburgh

$310K

Median Value

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↑ +33.9%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Des Plaines

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

Des Plaines, 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

Des Plaines, 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.