Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 28.8% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $2160 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $124,080 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 36.4% cheaper than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $2160 per month, or $25920 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,160

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$365K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:71

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 292K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Anchorage, AK	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,117less	36.4%
🏥Healthcare	$892/mo	$527/mo	↓ $366less	41.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,329/mo	$989/mo	↓ $340less	25.6%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $251less	13.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $232less	16.0%
⚡All Utilities	$825/mo	$607/mo	↓ $219less	26.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$1,117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 41.0%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$366

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 25.6%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$340

less

📦Other

↓ 13.5%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$251

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.0%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$232

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 26.5%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$219

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Anchorage, AK has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$750

↓ $480

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$850

↓ $475

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,050

↓ $670

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$1,400

↓ $940

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$2,525

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Pittsburgh

$365K

Median Value

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

$316K - $658K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Anchorage

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$384

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.