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Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

3.0% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% cheaper 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 18.5% cheaper
Nashville
108
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Nashville
95
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 5.1% more
Nashville
99
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 5.4% more
Nashville
93
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 7.2% more
Nashville
97
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index99963.0% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,20013.0% less
Median Home Price$395,000$225,00043.0% less
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation991045.1% more
Healthcare93985.4% more
Utilities971047.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 18.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $180 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.