Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Lake Charles, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 1.9% cheaper than Lake Charles, LA. This translates to saving $140 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Lake Charles, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lake Charles, LA, you'd need approximately $148,319.329 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lake Charles, LA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 2.0% more expensive than in Lake Charles, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,017/month in Lake Charles, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lake Charles, LA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Lake Charles, LA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $140 per month, or $1681 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lake Charles, LA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lake Charles, LA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baton Rouge, LA area

Current salary in Lake Charles, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $140/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$140

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Lake Charles, LA

Population:80K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$190K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:98

Lake Charles, LA

The Pelican State

80K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 80K 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: Lake Charles, LA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Lake Charles, LA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,752/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $145less	8.3%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$607/mo	↑ $121more	24.9%
🏥Healthcare	$470/mo	$527/mo	↑ $56.55more	12.0%
🏠Housing	$1,911/mo	$1,949/mo	↑ $37.64more	2.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $23.13less	1.9%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$989/mo	↑ $21.62more	2.2%

📦Other

↓ 8.3%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,752

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$145

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.9%

Lake Charles, LA

$485

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$121

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.0%

Lake Charles, LA

$470

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$56.55

🏠Housing

↑ 2.0%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,911

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$37.64

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.9%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,239

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$23.13

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Lake Charles, LA

$968

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$21.62

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lake Charles, LA 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$771

To$750

↓ $21.00

1 Bed

From$771

To$850

↑ $79.00

2 Bed

From$1,017

To$1,050

↑ $33.00

3 Bed

From$1,220

To$1,400

↑ $180

Lake Charles, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,160/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.

$6,825

Monthly in Lake Charles, LA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$68.97

Difference

Home Values

Lake Charles

Pittsburgh

$190K

Median Value

↑ +3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -18.1%

5-Year Change

$96K - $260K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Lake Charles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$262

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Lake Charles, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

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

Lake Charles, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.