City comparison

Chicago vs Philadelphia

Chicago scores higher on salary; Philadelphia has a lower cost of living. Compare Chicago and Philadelphia on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Chicago scores higher overall

Philadelphia is a mixed trade-off compared to your current city

How they compare

If you want to save more

ChicagoOverall fitPhiladelphia
62 / 61+1 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsPhiladelphia
58 / 57+1 Chicago
ChicagoCareerPhiladelphia
73 / 67+6 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePhiladelphia
63 / 67+4 Philadelphia

If you want career growth

ChicagoOverall fitPhiladelphia
68 / 65+3 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsPhiladelphia
58 / 57+1 Chicago
ChicagoCareerPhiladelphia
73 / 67+6 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePhiladelphia
63 / 67+4 Philadelphia

If you want better balance

ChicagoOverall fitPhiladelphia
66 / 65+1 Chicago
ChicagoSavingsPhiladelphia
58 / 57+1 Chicago
ChicagoCareerPhiladelphia
73 / 67+6 Chicago
ChicagoLow pressurePhiladelphia
63 / 67+4 Philadelphia

Financial impact: moving from Chicago to Philadelphia

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$237
Monthly
-$2,844
1 year
-$8,532
3 years

Moving from Chicago to Philadelphia: trade-offs

You lose

-$237/mo estimated net reduction — $2,844 over the first year

Chicago

US
Salary index
70
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
37
Opportunity
74

Philadelphia

US
Salary index
66
Cost index
58
Rent pressure
33
Opportunity
68

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The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

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