Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 17% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $62,277 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 · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Sarasota scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Sarasota (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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