Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 24% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $56,707 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $385,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) match Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
Amazon affiliate links