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Cost of Living: Louisville, KY 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.

4.3% Pittsburgh, PA is more expensive overall
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
5.3% 5.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% more
Louisville
82
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Louisville
95
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 6.1% more
Louisville
98
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Louisville
94
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Louisville
100
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Louisville, KY Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index92964.3% more
Housing82887.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,20020.0% more
Median Home Price$225,000$225,000~Same
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation981046.1% more
Healthcare94984.3% more
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Louisville, KY Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax4.00%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.78%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Louisville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Louisville (92) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Louisville4.0%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Louisville2.3%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Louisville23 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Louisville36
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Louisville46
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Louisville57°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Louisville633,045
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Louisville 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 Louisville or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Louisville vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Louisville and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Louisville or Pittsburgh?+
Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Louisville to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Louisville is $60,000 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 Louisville vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Louisville is $225,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $0. Property tax rates also differ: Kentucky averages 0.78% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.