Median rent is 8% lower in Pittsburgh ($1,221/mo vs $1,323/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $232,400. Households earn more in Pittsburgh ($64,137 vs $60,698 a year). Taken together, Pittsburgh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.7 against 100.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pittsburgh, PA.
Quick verdict
Pittsburgh is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.7 in Pittsburgh vs 100.7 in Philadelphia (US average = 100)
City A
Philadelphia, PA
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from Philadelphia, PA?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$69,780
You could earn $5,220 less (7% 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
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
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 Pittsburgh at $1,221/mo compared to $1,323/mo in Philadelphia (8% gap). Median home values are within 17% of each other: $232,400 in Philadelphia and $193,200 in Pittsburgh.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Philadelphia
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Pittsburgh has cleaner air on average: 29.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.7 vs 100.7).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 29.0).
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 100.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Pittsburgh.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $1,323/mo in Philadelphia, PA and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia, PA 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?
Pittsburgh, PA has better air quality on average: 29.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match my Philadelphia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA is equivalent to roughly $93,040 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