Chicago vs Philadelphia: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Philadelphia is 9% more expensive than Chicago. Philadelphia is 25% safer. Philadelphia has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Chicago population: 2,731,585. Philadelphia population: 1,574,281.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Philadelphia
Chicago is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 115 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 115 | 125 |
| Housing | $2,937/moIndex: 165 | $3,293/moIndex: 185 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $443/moIndex: 108 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $224/moIndex: 102 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Chicago vs Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 25% safer overall, with a crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 residents vs Chicago's 35.5. Philadelphia earns a C+ safety grade compared to Chicago's D+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Chicago
Illinois
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
| Metric | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 35.5/1K | 26.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 750.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 1900.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.1 | 12.2 |
| Assault Rate | 608.5 | 561.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.9 | 121.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 376.8 | 245.4 |
| Theft Rate | 1938.2 | 1445.1 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 674.0 | 266.1 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Chicago, you have a 1 in 28 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 38 in Philadelphia.
Climate: Chicago vs Philadelphia
Chicago Climate Overview
Philadelphia Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.3°F | 64.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 42.8°F | 47.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 36.9" | 42.2" |
| Annual Snow | 36.1" | 19.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 3 |
Philadelphia is 3°F warmer in summer than Chicago, but Chicago is 8°F colder in winter than Philadelphia. Chicago gets significantly more snow (36" vs 19"). Philadelphia is wetter with 42" of annual rain compared to 37". Philadelphia has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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