Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 6.8% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $511 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $156,136.364 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 32.6% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $511 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $6136 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $511/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$511

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$305K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Philadelphia, PA vs Chicago, IL

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $754more	32.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $260more	18.3%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$519/mo	↓ $87.43less	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $74.94less	6.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$595/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$754

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$260

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$87.43

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$74.94

less

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$16.74

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$12.39

less

🏛️ 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$1,280

To$1,600

↑ $320

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,710

↑ $320

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,925

↑ $265

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,480

↑ $490

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$822

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Chicago

$241K

Median Value

$305K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 27% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia 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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$235

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.