Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 42% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $43,594 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $605,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Pittsburgh scores 101 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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