Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Athens, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 0.8% cheaper than Athens, AL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Athens, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Athens, AL, you'd need approximately $149,271.755 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Athens, AL and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 1.7% cheaper than in Athens, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,165/month in Athens, AL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Athens, AL to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Athens, AL to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $61 per month, or $728 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Athens, AL vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Athens, AL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area

Current salary in Athens, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $60.69/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$60.69

Savings

Annual Impact

$728

Per year

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

Athens, AL

Population:31K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$244K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:99

Athens, AL

The Heart of Dixie

31K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 31K 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: Athens, AL vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Athens, AL	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
⚡All Utilities	$549/mo	$607/mo	↑ $57.16more	10.4%
🏠Housing	$1,983/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $34.27less	1.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,240/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $24.01less	1.9%
📦Other	$1,623/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $15.83less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$974/mo	$989/mo	↑ $15.06more	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$522/mo	$527/mo	↑ $4.40more	0.8%

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.4%

Athens, AL

$549

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$57.16

🏠Housing

↓ 1.7%

Athens, AL

$1,983

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$34.27

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.9%

Athens, AL

$1,240

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$24.01

less

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Athens, AL

$1,623

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$15.83

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.5%

Athens, AL

$974

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$15.06

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.8%

Athens, AL

$522

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$4.40

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Athens, AL 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$866

To$750

↓ $116

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$850

↓ $150

2 Bed

From$1,165

To$1,050

↓ $115

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,400

↓ $95.00

Athens, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$970/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.

$6,892

Monthly in Athens, AL

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$2.52

Difference

Home Values

Athens

Pittsburgh

$244K

Median Value

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +32.2%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Athens

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$238

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Athens, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

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

Athens, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

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.