salaryPittsburgh is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Pittsburgh to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,621
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,484
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$70,903
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$205,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
94.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$1,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$114
👥 People living there
2,711,226
304,759
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.7 min
College degree
44.3%
49.1%
Own their home
46%
47.7%
Below poverty line
16.8%
20.1%
Unemployment
8%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, less poverty.
- Pick Pittsburgh for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $69,340 | -32% in Pittsburgh |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $70,100 | -32% in Pittsburgh |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $75,960 | -24% in Pittsburgh |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $61,180 | -24% in Pittsburgh |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $83,190 | -23% in Pittsburgh |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $63,190 | -21% in Pittsburgh |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $62,140 | -20% in Pittsburgh |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $133,040 | -20% in Pittsburgh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Pittsburgh is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,621 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $54,831 a year gives the same standard of living in Pittsburgh.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Pittsburgh?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $70,903 in Pittsburgh, 18% more in Chicago.