Philadelphia vs Chicago: Cost of living and differences

Philadelphia vs Chicago, if you are thinking to move to one of this places, you may need to know their cost of living and some differences between them.

Philadelphia and Chicago are two major cities in the United States, each with its own unique characteristics and cost of living.

Cost of living in Philadelphia Vs Chicago

These two cities are kind of similar, they are big and with that important characteristic we can assume that the difference of cost of living in Philadelphia vs Chicago can be minimum.

Using online tools like cost of living comparison calculators, it’s easy to understand more about the costs of a city.

According to data from NerdWallet, living in Philadelphia can be 12% less expensive than living in Chicago.

Starting with housing costs, an apartment with 2 bedrooms in Philadelphia has an average of $1549 and Chicago has an average of $2754, being almost $1205 more expensive.

Also you will probably spend money on transportation, food costs, entertainment, school and healthcare.

And talking about transportation, healthcare and entertainment they are all less expensive in Philadelphia than in Chicago.

But the cost of food can be 11% higher in Philadelphia than Chicago, comparing a dozen eggs, milk, pizza, Mc Donalds and bread.

This is all the things you need to consider when moving to a new place, also you need to get a job that’s compatible with the cost of living of the place there you leave or will move in to.

However, prices vary greatly depending on the neighborhood, so this is also a thing that you need to think of when changing locations.

Differences between the cities

If you already know the cost of living in Philadelphia vs Chicago, and are ok with that, you will need to know the cities better and understand if it fits your standards or not.

Like the job market, both cities are very diverse, with a lot of opportunities in finance, education, technology and others sector.

Also if you are into gastronomy maybe you will like Philadelphia better, since they have a diverse food scenario, with a lot of options that can fit your budget.

However Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and diverse culinary offerings. While dining out can be expensive in certain areas, there are also plenty of affordable options.

Talking about entertainment and culture, Philadelphia offers a rich cultural experience with its historical sites, museums, and theaters. Many cultural attractions, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offer affordable or pay-what-you-wish admission.

But Chicago doesn’t stand behind this since it’s known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. There are numerous opportunities for entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Both Philadelphia and Chicago have their own unique characteristics and cost of living considerations. Your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

It’s important to research specific neighborhoods and compare living costs before making a decision.