Home › Compare › Kansas City, MO vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO 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.

3.2% Pittsburgh, PA is more expensive overall
4.8% 4.8% more expensive 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 4.8% more
Kansas City
84
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Kansas City
96
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 4.0% more
Kansas City
100
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Kansas City
96
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Kansas City
100
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Kansas City, MO Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index93963.2% more
Housing84884.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,2009.1% more
Median Home Price$240,000$225,0006.2% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation1001044.0% more
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Kansas City, MO Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax4.80% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax4.23%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.88%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Kansas City, MO
$62,000
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 Kansas City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Kansas City (93) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Kansas City3.6%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Kansas City2.5%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Kansas City23 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Kansas City35
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Kansas City42
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Kansas City54°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Kansas City508,090
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kansas City or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Kansas City and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Kansas City or Pittsburgh?+
Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 Kansas City to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Kansas City is $62,000 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 Kansas City vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Kansas City is $240,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Missouri averages 0.88% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.