Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 9% more affordable than Tampa. A $75,000 salary in Tampa is equivalent to $68,382 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 Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Tampa scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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