Median rent is 12% lower in Pittsburgh ($1,221/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $64,137 a year). Taken together, Pittsburgh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Pittsburgh is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.7 in Pittsburgh vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$66,501
You could earn $8,499 less (11% lower) and break even.
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
Pittsburgh
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Pittsburgh at $1,221/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $193,200 in Pittsburgh — 39% 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 Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 29.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.7 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,221/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Pittsburgh.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA. 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 29.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Pittsburgh?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,669 in Pittsburgh, PA (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