Median rent is 31% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,995/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $396,500. Households earn more in King of Prussia ($111,600 vs $75,134 a year).
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
King of Prussia, PA
How much would you need to earn in King of Prussia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
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
Chicago
Illinois
King of Prussia
Pennsylvania
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,995/mo in King of Prussia, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in King of Prussia: the median home is $396,500 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so King of Prussia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; King of Prussia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
King of Prussia
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for King of Prussia.
Pick King of Prussia if you prioritize higher median household income ($111,600/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick King of Prussia if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Chicago cheaper than King of Prussia?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs King of Prussia?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,995/mo in King of Prussia, PA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or King of Prussia?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $111,600 in King of Prussia, PA. King of Prussia, PA 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 — Chicago or King of Prussia?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. King of Prussia, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in King of Prussia to match my Chicago income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology