Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 28% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,654 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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