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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

11.1% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
20.0% 20.0% cheaper housing
5.7% 5.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 5.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 7.1% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 3.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1089611.1% less
Housing1108820.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,20020.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$225,00019.6% less
Groceries1061005.7% less
Transportation1121047.1% less
Healthcare105986.7% less
Utilities1081043.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax3.07%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.