Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

8.6% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
26.7% 26.7% cheaper 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 26.7% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 4.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Salt Lake City
96
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Salt Lake City
88
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index105968.6% less
Housing1208826.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$475,000$225,00052.6% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation1001044.0% more
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax4.65%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.10%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Salt Lake City to Pittsburgh?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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

Salt Lake City vs Austin → Salt Lake City vs Denver → Salt Lake City vs Nashville → Pittsburgh vs Raleigh → Pittsburgh vs Portland → Pittsburgh vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 26.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Pittsburgh?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $250,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.