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Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO 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.

5.0% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
20.0% 20.0% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% cheaper
Colorado Springs
110
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 6.1% more
Colorado Springs
98
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Colorado Springs
100
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 13.0% more
Colorado Springs
92
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Colorado Springs, CO Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index101965.0% less
Housing1108820.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$400,000$225,00043.8% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation981046.1% more
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities9210413.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Colorado Springs, CO Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax4.40%3.07%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
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 Colorado Springs lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Colorado Springs (101) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Colorado Springs3.4%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Colorado Springs3.1%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Colorado Springs24 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Colorado Springs34
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Colorado Springs40
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Colorado Springs49°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Colorado Springs478,961
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Colorado Springs and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Colorado Springs or Pittsburgh?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Colorado Springs to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $72,000 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 Colorado Springs vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Colorado Springs is $400,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.