63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Pittsburgh wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Pittsburgh wins 1–2 overall (67/100)
💰 Pittsburgh is more affordable
💼 Pittsburgh has lower unemployment
🛡️ Pittsburgh has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Pittsburgh — The Verdict
Pittsburgh scores 67/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pittsburgh has a clear edge with home prices 44% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Pittsburgh has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. Pittsburgh may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pittsburgh are 44% lower — a difference of $132,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pittsburgh saves you $161/month — that's $1,932 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $11,486 more per year (19% higher median income).
🌬️
Chicago has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Pittsburgh has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$171,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,153
Median Income
$71,673
$60,187
The affordability gap is significant — Pittsburgh offers home prices 44% lower than Chicago, translating to $132,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
78 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Chicago wins on air quality with an AQI 18 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
5
Pittsburgh has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Pittsburgh is more affordable overall. Home prices are $132,700 lower in Pittsburgh. Monthly rent is $1,153 in Pittsburgh vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Pittsburgh have better weather?
Pittsburgh scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Pittsburgh better for finding a job?
Pittsburgh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,187 in Pittsburgh.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Pittsburgh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Pittsburgh is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Pittsburgh. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pittsburgh.
Should I move from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
Based on our data, Pittsburgh scores 67.0/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pittsburgh is more affordable, while Pittsburgh has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.