Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 8.2% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $619 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $142,577.32 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 21.1% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

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

Moving from Durham, NC to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $619 per month, or $7423 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $619/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.6K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$619

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.4K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:92

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K 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: Durham, NC vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Durham, NC	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $520less	21.1%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $100less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$527/mo	↓ $74.35less	12.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$607/mo	↑ $60.11more	11.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.1%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$520

less

📦Other

↓ 5.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.4%

Durham, NC

$601

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$74.35

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$60.11

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Durham, NC

$959

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$29.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, 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$1,430

To$750

↓ $680

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$850

↓ $670

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,050

↓ $680

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,400

↓ $740

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$673

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Pittsburgh

$411K

Median Value

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

$306K - $461K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Durham

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

Durham, 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

Durham, 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.