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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

22.6% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
43.6% 43.6% cheaper housing
7.4% 7.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.6% cheaper
Seattle
156
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 7.4% cheaper
Seattle
108
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Seattle
110
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Seattle
91
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1249622.6% less
Housing1568843.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,20041.5% less
Median Home Price$780,000$225,00071.2% less
Groceries1081007.4% less
Transportation11810411.9% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities9110414.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Seattle to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 43.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Pittsburgh?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $555,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.