Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 5% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $71,173 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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