Median rent is 39% lower in Pittsburgh ($1,221/mo vs $2,006/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $531,600. Households earn more in Syracuse ($132,459 vs $64,137 a year). Taken together, Syracuse is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.5 against 93.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Syracuse, UT.
City A
Pittsburgh, PA
City B
Syracuse, UT
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, UT to maintain your standard of living from Pittsburgh, PA?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, UT
$74,857
You could earn $143 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
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
Syracuse
Utah
👥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 $2,006/mo in Syracuse, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Syracuse: the median home is $531,600 versus $193,200 in Pittsburgh — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 4.85% in Utah; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Syracuse
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Pittsburgh (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Syracuse.
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize higher median household income ($132,459/yr).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,221/mo median).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Pittsburgh cheaper than Syracuse?
Syracuse is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.5 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Syracuse.
How much is rent in Pittsburgh vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA and $2,006/mo in Syracuse, UT. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA and $132,459 in Syracuse, UT. Syracuse, UT 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 — Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Utah's is 4.65%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Pittsburgh income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Pittsburgh, PA is equivalent to roughly $99,809 in Syracuse, UT (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