Chicago vs Philadelphia
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $65,687 in Philadelphia.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Chicago feels like $65,687 in Philadelphia. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 6%.
Chicago
Philadelphia
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Chicago, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Chicago and Philadelphia each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Chicago vs Philadelphia — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or Philadelphia?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,581/mo in Chicago and $1,520/mo in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Philadelphia to match Chicago?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $65,687 in Philadelphia — a reduction of about 6% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Chicago and Philadelphia?
Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax) and Philadelphia is in PA (PA levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.