Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 11.2% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $838 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $139,948.662 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 23.8% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

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

Moving from Joliet, IL to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $838 per month, or $10051 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $838/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.9K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$838

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

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

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$205K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:89

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K 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: Joliet, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Joliet, IL	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,558/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $609less	23.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $341less	21.9%
⚡All Utilities	$500/mo	$607/mo	↑ $107more	21.4%
🏥Healthcare	$573/mo	$527/mo	↓ $45.98less	8.0%
📦Other	$1,629/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $22.03less	1.4%
🛒Groceries	$991/mo	$989/mo	↓ $1.60less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.8%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$609

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.9%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$341

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 21.4%

Joliet, IL

$500

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.0%

Joliet, IL

$573

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$45.98

less

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$22.03

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.2%

Joliet, IL

$991

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$1.60

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Joliet, 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$1,040

To$750

↓ $290

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$850

↓ $261

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,050

↓ $203

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,400

↓ $215

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/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.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$913

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Pittsburgh

$205K

Median Value

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

$198K - $339K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Joliet

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

Joliet, 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

Joliet, 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.