Chicago, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Housing in Chicago runs about 39% above Pittsburgh, but Chicago earns more at the median (15% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference — the standard tradeoff between cost and earnings that shapes most US city-to-city moves.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$193,200 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$230,723
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,221/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
47.2%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
13.2x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$64,137
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$43,590
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
19.5%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
25.1 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
48.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
12.4%
Work From Home %
18.3%
20.4%
State Income Tax
5.0%
3.1%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
6.3% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.6%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
24.6%
Median Age
35.7
33.5
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
61.2°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
41.3"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Pittsburgh, PA 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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