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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

5.9% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.5% cheaper
Dallas
108
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Dallas
97
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 3.0% more
Dallas
101
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Dallas
98
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Dallas
104
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index102965.9% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,20014.3% less
Median Home Price$340,000$225,00033.8% less
Groceries971003.1% more
Transportation1011043.0% more
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities104104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Dallas to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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 Dallas 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 18.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Dallas 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 Dallas vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.