Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Rock Island, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 2.4% cheaper than Rock Island, IL. This translates to saving $182 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rock Island, IL, you'd need approximately $147,814.401 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 9.5% cheaper than in Rock Island, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $827/month in Rock Island, IL.

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

Moving from Rock Island, IL to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $182 per month, or $2186 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rock Island, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rock Island, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Rock Island, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $182/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.8K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

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

Rock Island, IL

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$122K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:98

Rock Island, IL

The Prairie State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 36K 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: Rock Island, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Rock Island, IL	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,154/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $205less	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$670/mo	$527/mo	↓ $143less	21.4%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$607/mo	↑ $133more	28.1%
🛒Groceries	$894/mo	$989/mo	↑ $95.16more	10.6%
📦Other	$1,556/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $51.01more	3.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,222/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $6.53less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.5%

Rock Island, IL

$2,154

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$205

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.4%

Rock Island, IL

$670

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$143

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.1%

Rock Island, IL

$474

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$133

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.6%

Rock Island, IL

$894

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$95.16

📦Other

↑ 3.3%

Rock Island, IL

$1,556

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$51.01

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.5%

Rock Island, IL

$1,222

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$6.53

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rock Island, 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$591

To$750

↑ $159

1 Bed

From$672

To$850

↑ $178

2 Bed

From$827

To$1,050

↑ $223

3 Bed

From$1,085

To$1,400

↑ $315

Rock Island, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$6,970

Monthly in Rock Island, IL

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$75.35

Difference

Home Values

Rock Island

Pittsburgh

$122K

Median Value

↑ +3.2%

YoY Change

↑ +19.8%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Rock Island

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

Rock Island, 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

Rock Island, 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.