Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 27% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
Amazon affiliate links