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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

2.0% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
15.4% 15.4% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.4% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Raleigh
97
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 8.3% more
Raleigh
96
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Raleigh
98
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index9896~Same
Housing1048815.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$385,000$225,00041.6% less
Groceries971003.1% more
Transportation961048.3% more
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax4.50%3.07%
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Raleigh to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 15.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Pittsburgh?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.