Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 12% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $65,802 in Pittsburgh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Pennsylvania salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Pittsburgh sits at 79 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $195,000 in Pittsburgh, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,100 in Pittsburgh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Pittsburgh scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Pittsburgh (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $52,536 in Pittsburgh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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