Median rent is 13% lower in High Point ($1,062/mo vs $1,221/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $212,400. Households earn more in Pittsburgh ($64,137 vs $61,228 a year). Taken together, Pittsburgh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 93.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pittsburgh, PA.
City A
High Point, NC
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from High Point, NC?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$74,963
You could earn $37 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
High Point
North Carolina
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in High Point at $1,062/mo compared to $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh (13% gap). Median home values are within 9% of each other: $212,400 in High Point and $193,200 in Pittsburgh.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; High Point has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Pittsburgh (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for High Point.
Pick High Point if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,062/mo median).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is High Point cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 93.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Pittsburgh.
How much is rent in High Point vs Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $1,062/mo in High Point, NC and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — High Point or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point, NC and $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — High Point or Pittsburgh?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match my High Point income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in High Point, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,951 in Pittsburgh, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology