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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

0.0% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
4.3% 4.3% cheaper housing
6.4% 6.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.3% cheaper
Houston
92
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 6.4% more
Houston
94
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 4.0% more
Houston
100
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Houston
95
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Houston
106
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index9696~Same
Housing92884.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,200~Same
Median Home Price$295,000$225,00023.7% less
Groceries941006.4% more
Transportation1001044.0% more
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities106104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Houston to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston 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 4.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.