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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Pittsburgh, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

10.3% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
22.8% 22.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.8% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Atlanta
102
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 4.6% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 3.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Atlanta
99
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing1148822.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,20027.3% less
Median Home Price$380,000$225,00040.8% less
Groceries102100~Same
Transportation1091044.6% less
Healthcare102983.9% less
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax5.39%3.07%
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Pittsburgh to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Pittsburgh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Pittsburgh?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.