Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Charlottesville, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 6.5% cheaper than Charlottesville, VA. This translates to saving $488 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Charlottesville, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Charlottesville, VA, you'd need approximately $144,148.773 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charlottesville, VA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 10.7% cheaper than in Charlottesville, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,570/month in Charlottesville, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charlottesville, VA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Charlottesville, VA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $488 per month, or $5851 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charlottesville, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Charlottesville, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Richmond, VA area

Current salary in Charlottesville, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $488/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$488

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.9K

Per year

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

Charlottesville, VA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$514K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:93

Charlottesville, VA

The Old Dominion State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 45K 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: Charlottesville, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Charlottesville, VA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,182/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $233less	10.7%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$527/mo	↓ $89.94less	14.6%
📦Other	$1,673/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $66.09less	4.0%
🛒Groceries	$936/mo	$989/mo	↑ $53.34more	5.7%
⚡All Utilities	$560/mo	$607/mo	↑ $46.76more	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,222/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $6.52less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.7%

Charlottesville, VA

$2,182

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$233

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.6%

Charlottesville, VA

$617

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$89.94

less

📦Other

↓ 4.0%

Charlottesville, VA

$1,673

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$66.09

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.7%

Charlottesville, VA

$936

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$53.34

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.4%

Charlottesville, VA

$560

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$46.76

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.5%

Charlottesville, VA

$1,222

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$6.52

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Charlottesville, VA 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$1,222

To$750

↓ $472

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$850

↓ $525

2 Bed

From$1,570

To$1,050

↓ $520

3 Bed

From$1,909

To$1,400

↓ $509

Charlottesville, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,700–$1,700/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.

$7,189

Monthly in Charlottesville, VA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$295

Difference

Home Values

Charlottesville

Pittsburgh

$514K

Median Value

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↑ +34.1%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Charlottesville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$314

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

Rate difference

Charlottesville, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Charlottesville, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.