Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $54,492 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $305,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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