Home › Compare › Memphis, TN vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

11.6% Pittsburgh, PA is more expensive overall
25.7% 25.7% more expensive housing
8.7% 8.7% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.7% more
Memphis
70
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 8.7% more
Memphis
92
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 8.3% more
Memphis
96
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 8.9% more
Memphis
90
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Memphis
98
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index869611.6% more
Housing708825.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,20026.3% more
Median Home Price$165,000$225,00036.4% more
Groceries921008.7% more
Transportation961048.3% more
Healthcare90988.9% more
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Pittsburgh, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Pittsburgh outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Pittsburgh to maintain your Memphis lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Memphis 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 Memphis 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

Memphis vs Austin → Memphis vs Denver → Memphis vs Nashville → Pittsburgh vs Raleigh → Pittsburgh vs Portland → Pittsburgh vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Pittsburgh?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.