Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 9% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $68,382 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Raleigh scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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