Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Des Moines, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 17.8% cheaper than Des Moines, WA. This translates to saving $1335 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Des Moines, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, WA, you'd need approximately $133,977.753 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Moines, WA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 33.6% cheaper than in Des Moines, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,776/month in Des Moines, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Des Moines, WA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Des Moines, WA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $1335 per month, or $16022 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, WA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Moines, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Des Moines, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.0K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,335

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.0K

Per year

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

Des Moines, WA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$580K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:82

Des Moines, WA

The Evergreen State

32K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 32K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington 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: Des Moines, WA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Des Moines, WA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,936/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $987less	33.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,819/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $604less	33.2%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$527/mo	↓ $280less	34.7%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$607/mo	↑ $136more	28.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$989/mo	↓ $67.13less	6.4%
📦Other	$1,572/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $35.11more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.6%

Des Moines, WA

$2,936

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$987

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.2%

Des Moines, WA

$1,819

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$604

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 34.7%

Des Moines, WA

$807

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$280

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.9%

Des Moines, WA

$471

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$136

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Des Moines, WA

$1,056

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$67.13

less

📦Other

↑ 2.2%

Des Moines, WA

$1,572

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$35.11

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Moines, WA 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$1,474

To$750

↓ $724

1 Bed

From$1,523

To$850

↓ $673

2 Bed

From$1,776

To$1,050

↓ $726

3 Bed

From$2,321

To$1,400

↓ $921

Des Moines, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,870/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.

$8,661

Monthly in Des Moines, WA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$1,767

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Pittsburgh

$580K

Median Value

↓ -1.7%

YoY Change

↑ +25.5%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Des Moines, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Des Moines, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.