Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 7% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $69,750 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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