Median rent is 45% lower in Pittsburgh ($1,221/mo vs $2,201/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $583,100. Households earn more in Pittsburg ($101,099 vs $64,137 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (93.7).
City A
Pittsburg, CA
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from Pittsburg, CA?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Pittsburg
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Pittsburgh — median rent of $1,221/mo versus $2,201/mo in Pittsburg, a 45% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Pittsburg: the median home is $583,100 versus $193,200 in Pittsburgh — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Pittsburg
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Pittsburgh (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Pittsburg.
Pick Pittsburg if you prioritize higher median household income ($101,099/yr).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,221/mo median).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Pittsburg cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Pittsburg is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.7 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Pittsburg.
How much is rent in Pittsburg vs Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $2,201/mo in Pittsburg, CA and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rent by about 45%.
Which has higher salaries — Pittsburg or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $101,099 in Pittsburg, CA and $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburg, CA 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 — Pittsburg or Pittsburgh?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match my Pittsburg income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Pittsburg, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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