Chicago vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 25% cheaper than Chicago overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.95% in IL.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing overall expenses, Chicago is noticeably more expensive than Pittsburgh. This difference is largely driven by the cost of housing, which is significantly lower in Pittsburgh. While other categories like transportation and food also contribute to Chicago's higher overall index, housing stands out as the primary factor creating this substantial cost gap between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a major difference, with Pittsburgh being considerably more affordable for both homeownership and renting. Median home prices in Chicago are substantially higher, and a one-bedroom apartment also commands a much greater monthly rent. Chicago's housing stock often includes dense urban apartments and historic homes, while Pittsburgh offers a mix of older, established neighborhoods and newer developments, generally at a lower price point.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Chicago having a higher state income tax rate compared to Pittsburgh. Transportation costs are also more expensive in Chicago, though both cities offer robust public transit options. Food and healthcare expenses are somewhat higher in Chicago, while utility costs are roughly similar in both metros. This means everyday spending on essentials will generally be lower in Pittsburgh.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Chicago, a major global city, offers a faster pace and denser urban environment with extensive public transportation. Its climate features cold winters and warm summers. Pittsburgh, while still an urban center, has a more relaxed feel, with a hilly landscape and a strong sense of community. Its climate is also four-seasonal, with cold winters and warm, humid summers.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Pittsburgh offers a significantly lower cost of living across the board, particularly in housing. While Chicago provides a bustling, large-city experience with higher expenses, Pittsburgh allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing urban amenities. A household's financial outlook would see a much larger portion of income allocated to housing and overall expenses in Chicago compared to Pittsburgh.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 97 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 98 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 102 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.