Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 48.6% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3648 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $106,220.427 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 74.8% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $3648 per month, or $43780 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.2K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,648

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.8K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:51

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $5,800less	74.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $943less	43.7%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $124less	7.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$989/mo	↓ $50.96less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$607/mo	↑ $49.18more	8.8%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$527/mo	↓ $27.26less	4.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$5,800

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 43.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$943

less

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$124

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$50.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$49.18

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$27.26

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, CA 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$1,910

To$750

↓ $1,160

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$850

↓ $1,285

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,050

↓ $1,610

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$1,400

↓ $1,970

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$6,896

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Pittsburgh

$885K

Median Value

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$502

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.