Chicago, IL vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Philadelphia, PA
PA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 100.7
- Housing RPP
- 115.8
- Goods RPP
- 95.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,737/mo
Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.
Equivalent salary
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 4.7% (RPP 105.7 to 100.7).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $57,162
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $95,270
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $142,904
in Philadelphia, PA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 4.7%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $95,270 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 105.7).