Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 21% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $59,615 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 · Maine salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Portland sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $395,000 in Portland, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,700 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Portland scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Portland (110).
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $56,895 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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