Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 15% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $63,991 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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