Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Columbia, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 4.2% cheaper than Columbia, SC. This translates to saving $316 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Columbia, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Columbia, SC, you'd need approximately $146,206.442 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Columbia, SC and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 8.4% cheaper than in Columbia, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,120/month in Columbia, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Columbia, SC to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Columbia, SC to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $316 per month, or $3794 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Columbia, SC vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Columbia, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

Current salary in Columbia, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $316/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.2K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$316

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

Columbia, SC

Population:142K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$229K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:96

Columbia, SC

The Palmetto State

142K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 142K 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: Columbia, SC vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Columbia, SC	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,128/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $179less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$607/mo	↑ $98.47more	19.4%
🏥Healthcare	$625/mo	$527/mo	↓ $97.95less	15.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,151/mo	$1,216/mo	↑ $64.26more	5.6%
📦Other	$1,636/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $28.56less	1.7%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$989/mo	↑ $21.05more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.4%

Columbia, SC

$2,128

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$179

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Columbia, SC

$508

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$98.47

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.7%

Columbia, SC

$625

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$97.95

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Columbia, SC

$1,151

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$64.26

📦Other

↓ 1.7%

Columbia, SC

$1,636

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$28.56

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Columbia, SC

$968

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$21.05

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Columbia, SC 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$904

To$750

↓ $154

1 Bed

From$1,022

To$850

↓ $172

2 Bed

From$1,120

To$1,050

↓ $70.00

3 Bed

From$1,425

To$1,400

↓ $25.00

Columbia, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,610/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.

$7,016

Monthly in Columbia, SC

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$122

Difference

Home Values

Columbia

Pittsburgh

$229K

Median Value

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↑ +41.8%

5-Year Change

$124K - $375K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Columbia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$446

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

Columbia, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

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

Columbia, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.