Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 7.8% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $583 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $143,005.181 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 11.0% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Houston, TX to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $583 per month, or $6995 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Houston, TX

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Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $583/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.0K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$583

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.0K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:92

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Houston, TX	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $242less	11.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $234less	16.1%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $161less	9.1%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$989/mo	↑ $77.94more	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$607/mo	↑ $54.10more	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$527/mo	↓ $35.32less	6.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.0%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$242

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.1%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↓ 9.1%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$161

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.6%

Houston, TX

$911

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$77.94

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Houston, TX

$552

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$54.10

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.3%

Houston, TX

$562

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$35.32

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, TX 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$1,220

To$750

↓ $470

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$850

↓ $410

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,050

↓ $450

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,400

↓ $620

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$539

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Pittsburgh

$245K

Median Value

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.