Cost of Living Comparison for Pittsburgh, PA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 91 — 9% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Pittsburgh Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Pittsburgh stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $200,000 | $420,800 | -52.5% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,295 | $1,713 | -24.4% |
| Median Household Income | $60,800 | $74,580 | -18.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.40% | 1.10% | +27.3% |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 | -9.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Pittsburgh Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 2,410,000
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg Commute
- 26 min
- Median Age
- 38.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 12.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,800
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Pittsburgh
What is the median home price in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median home price in Pittsburgh is $200,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Pittsburgh?
Median monthly rent in Pittsburgh is $1,295. That works out to $15,540/year, or 26% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Pittsburgh affordable?
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 91 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $60,800/year and a median home price of $200,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.3x. Pittsburgh remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Pittsburgh?
The effective property tax rate in Pittsburgh is 1.40% of assessed value. On the median home of $200,000, that's roughly $2,800/year ($233/month).