Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 12% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,802 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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