Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 10% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $67,718 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 · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Richmond sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $300,000 in Richmond, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,400 in Richmond.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Richmond scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Richmond (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $50,120 in Richmond. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
Amazon affiliate links