Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than La Crosse, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 6.8% cheaper than La Crosse, WI. This translates to saving $508 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in La Crosse, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in La Crosse, WI, you'd need approximately $143,898.365 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between La Crosse, WI and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 13.5% cheaper than in La Crosse, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $873/month in La Crosse, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from La Crosse, WI to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from La Crosse, WI to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $508 per month, or $6102 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

La Crosse, WI vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 La Crosse, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in La Crosse, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $508/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$508

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

La Crosse, WI

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$255K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:93

La Crosse, WI

The Badger State

51K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 51K 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: La Crosse, WI vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	La Crosse, WI	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,254/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $305less	13.5%
🏥Healthcare	$685/mo	$527/mo	↓ $159less	23.2%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$607/mo	↑ $122more	25.2%
🛒Groceries	$915/mo	$989/mo	↑ $74.53more	8.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,279/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $63.58less	5.0%
📦Other	$1,629/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $21.61less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.5%

La Crosse, WI

$2,254

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$305

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.2%

La Crosse, WI

$685

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$159

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 25.2%

La Crosse, WI

$485

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$122

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.1%

La Crosse, WI

$915

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$74.53

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.0%

La Crosse, WI

$1,279

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$63.58

less

📦Other

↓ 1.3%

La Crosse, WI

$1,629

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$21.61

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

La Crosse, WI 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$599

To$750

↑ $151

1 Bed

From$669

To$850

↑ $181

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,050

↑ $177

3 Bed

From$1,144

To$1,400

↑ $256

La Crosse, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$900/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.

$7,247

Monthly in La Crosse, WI

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$353

Difference

Home Values

La Crosse

Pittsburgh

$255K

Median Value

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +37.8%

5-Year Change

$230K - $280K

Price Range

Calculate payment - La Crosse

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$354

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.8%

Rate difference

La Crosse, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

La Crosse, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.