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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

15.8% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
36.2% 36.2% cheaper housing
2.9% 2.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.2% cheaper
Portland
138
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 2.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 3.7% cheaper
Portland
108
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% cheaper
Portland
107
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Portland
88
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1149615.8% less
Housing1388836.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,20022.6% less
Median Home Price$485,000$225,00053.6% less
Groceries1031002.9% less
Transportation1081043.7% less
Healthcare107988.4% less
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)3.07%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Portland652,503
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 36.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Pittsburgh?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.