Median rent is 5% lower in Bethlehem ($1,311/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bethlehem, where the median home runs $236,500 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $66,443 a year). Taken together, Bethlehem is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Bethlehem is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Bethlehem vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Bethlehem, PA
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Bethlehem, PA?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$80,842
You'd need $5,842 more (8% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,311/mo in Bethlehem and $1,380/mo in Chicago. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $236,500 in Bethlehem — 25% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Bethlehem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 6.25% in Illinois; Bethlehem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bethlehem
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Bethlehem.
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Bethlehem cheaper than Chicago?
Bethlehem is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Bethlehem.
How much is rent in Bethlehem vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Bethlehem, PA and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Bethlehem or Chicago?
Median household income is $66,443 in Bethlehem, PA and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Bethlehem or Chicago?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Bethlehem income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bethlehem, PA is equivalent to roughly $107,790 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology