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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% 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
Milwaukee
82
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 4.0% more
Milwaukee
100
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Milwaukee
100
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index93963.2% more
Housing82887.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,20014.3% more
Median Home Price$175,000$225,00028.6% more
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation1001044.0% more
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax7.65% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax5.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Pittsburgh?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Milwaukee to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.