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Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

6.8% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
25.4% 25.4% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.4% cheaper
Austin
118
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Austin
96
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 6.1% more
Austin
98
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Austin
99
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index103966.8% less
Housing1188825.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,20017.2% less
Median Home Price$425,000$225,00047.1% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation981046.1% more
Healthcare9798~Same
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Pittsburgh, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
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 Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Austin979,882
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Austin to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Pittsburgh → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Pittsburgh →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin 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 25.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Pittsburgh?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.