Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

29.4% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
50.6% 50.6% cheaper housing
9.1% 9.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 9.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 16.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1369629.4% less
Housing1788850.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,20052.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$225,00074.4% less
Groceries1101009.1% less
Transportation12510416.8% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities105104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Pittsburgh vs Raleigh → Pittsburgh vs Portland → Pittsburgh vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 50.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Pittsburgh?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $655,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.