Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Melrose, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 35.9% cheaper than Melrose, MA. This translates to saving $2691 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Melrose, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Melrose, MA, you'd need approximately $117,705.561 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Melrose, MA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 55.9% cheaper than in Melrose, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $2,233/month in Melrose, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Melrose, MA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Melrose, MA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $2691 per month, or $32294 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Melrose, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Melrose, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Melrose, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.7K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,691

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.3K

Per year

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

Melrose, MA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$872K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:64

Melrose, MA

The Bay State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 29K 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: Melrose, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Melrose, MA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,423/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $2,474less	55.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,705/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $489less	28.7%
🏥Healthcare	$718/mo	$527/mo	↓ $191less	26.6%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $92.81less	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$691/mo	$607/mo	↓ $84.37less	12.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$989/mo	↓ $52.37less	5.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 55.9%

Melrose, MA

$4,423

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$2,474

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.7%

Melrose, MA

$1,705

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$489

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.6%

Melrose, MA

$718

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$191

less

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Melrose, MA

$1,700

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$92.81

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.2%

Melrose, MA

$691

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$84.37

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.0%

Melrose, MA

$1,042

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$52.37

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Melrose, MA 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$1,790

To$750

↓ $1,040

1 Bed

From$1,877

To$850

↓ $1,027

2 Bed

From$2,233

To$1,050

↓ $1,183

3 Bed

From$2,676

To$1,400

↓ $1,276

Melrose, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,370–$2,370/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.

$10,278

Monthly in Melrose, MA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$3,384

Difference

Home Values

Melrose

Pittsburgh

$872K

Median Value

↑ +2.4%

YoY Change

↑ +28.3%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Melrose

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$241

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Melrose, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Melrose, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.