Moving from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Philadelphia, you'd need to earn:
$72,059/year
▼ $2,941 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $72,059 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,467 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,468 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,045 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$2,212 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $56,867 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -1.0% in Philadelphia
- Housing is +1.0% in Philadelphia
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $1,410/year in taxes in Philadelphia
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~664 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Philadelphia
| Your Chicago Salary | Philadelphia Equivalent | Difference | Philadelphia Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,622 | -$1,378 | $31,886 |
| $50,000 | $48,312 | -$1,688 | $39,374 |
| $60,000 | $57,942 | -$2,058 | $46,816 |
| $75,000 | $72,059 | -$2,941 | $56,867 |
| $100,000 | $96,163 | -$3,837 | $73,084 |
| $150,000 | $144,135 | -$5,865 | $104,844 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Philadelphia Compare
Housing (1% more expensive in Philadelphia)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia rents for $1,400/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $400,000 in Philadelphia vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Philadelphia would save you about $1,410/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Philadelphia's overall cost of living is 1.0% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Philadelphia: 102.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Philadelphia move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Philadelphia
Average 1BR rent in Philadelphia: $1,400/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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