Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 15.2% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1143 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $136,285.714 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 29.2% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

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

Moving from Madison, WI to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $1143 per month, or $13714 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.3K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,143

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.7K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$427K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:85

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Madison, WI	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $806less	29.2%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$527/mo	↓ $192less	26.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $191less	13.6%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $184less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$607/mo	↑ $98.36more	19.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 29.2%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$806

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.7%

Madison, WI

$719

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$192

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.6%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$191

less

📦Other

↓ 10.3%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$184

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Madison, WI

$508

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$98.36

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Madison, WI

$959

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$29.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Madison, 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$1,370

To$750

↓ $620

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$850

↓ $755

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,050

↓ $785

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,400

↓ $1,025

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$1,245

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Pittsburgh

$427K

Median Value

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

$359K - $534K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Madison

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

Madison, 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

Madison, 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.