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Cost of Living: Denver, 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.

14.3% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
33.3% 33.3% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.3% cheaper
Denver
132
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Denver
105
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Denver
96
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1129614.3% less
Housing1328833.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,20025.9% less
Median Home Price$540,000$225,00058.3% less
Groceries101100~Same
Transportation105104~Same
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, 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

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Denver713,252
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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 Denver 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 33.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $420 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver 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 Denver to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $315,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.