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Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA 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.

35.1% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
58.1% 58.1% cheaper housing
13.0% 13.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 58.1% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 13.0% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 18.8% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 16.9% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 3.7% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1489635.1% less
Housing2108858.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,20060.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$225,00082.0% less
Groceries11510013.0% less
Transportation12810418.8% less
Healthcare1189816.9% less
Utilities1081043.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, CA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 58.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $1,800 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco or Pittsburgh?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 San Francisco to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 San Francisco vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $1,025,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.