Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Apex, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 4.3% cheaper than Apex, NC. This translates to saving $325 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Apex, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Apex, NC, you'd need approximately $146,094.962 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Apex, NC and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 8.5% cheaper than in Apex, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,745/month in Apex, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Apex, NC to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Apex, NC to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $325 per month, or $3905 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Apex, NC vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Apex, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Apex, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $325/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$325

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Apex, NC

Population:72K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:96

Apex, NC

The Tar Heel State

72K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 72K residents.

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: Apex, NC vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Apex, NC	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $182less	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$607/mo	↑ $71.39more	13.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$527/mo	↓ $61.94less	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$989/mo	↑ $49.78more	5.3%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $30.68less	1.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,232/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $15.84less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.5%

Apex, NC

$2,131

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$182

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Apex, NC

$535

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$71.39

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

Apex, NC

$589

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$61.94

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Apex, NC

$939

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$49.78

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Apex, NC

$1,638

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$30.68

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.3%

Apex, NC

$1,232

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$15.84

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Apex, NC 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$1,516

To$750

↓ $766

1 Bed

From$1,590

To$850

↓ $740

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,050

↓ $695

3 Bed

From$2,193

To$1,400

↓ $793

Apex, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,950–$1,950/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.

$7,064

Monthly in Apex, NC

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$169

Difference

Home Values

Apex

Pittsburgh

$560K

Median Value

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Apex

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$210

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Apex, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Apex, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.