Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Essex, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 10.9% cheaper than Essex, MD. This translates to saving $815 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Essex, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Essex, MD, you'd need approximately $140,219.458 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Essex, MD and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 26.3% cheaper than in Essex, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,321/month in Essex, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Essex, MD to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Essex, MD to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $815 per month, or $9781 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Essex, MD vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Essex, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Essex, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $815/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.2K in Pittsburgh, PA

Using and Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area data

Overall Cost

↓ 10.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$815

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.8K

Per year

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

Essex, MD

Population:41K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:89

Essex, MD

The Old Line State

41K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 41K 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: Essex, MD vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Essex, MD	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,644/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $695less	26.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,300/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $83.89less	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$989/mo	↓ $67.86less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$571/mo	$527/mo	↓ $44.63less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $17.85more	3.0%
📦Other	$1,608/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $1.39less	0.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.3%

Essex, MD

$2,644

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$695

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Essex, MD

$1,300

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$83.89

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Essex, MD

$1,057

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$67.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Essex, MD

$571

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$44.63

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Essex, MD

$589

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$17.85

📦Other

↓ 0.1%

Essex, MD

$1,608

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$1.39

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Essex, MD 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$921

To$750

↓ $171

1 Bed

From$1,081

To$850

↓ $231

2 Bed

From$1,321

To$1,050

↓ $271

3 Bed

From$1,762

To$1,400

↓ $362

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition.

$7,769

Monthly in Essex, MD

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$875

Difference

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$221

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Essex, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Essex, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.