Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 47.0% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $3527 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $107,678.571 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 74.5% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Newark, NJ to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $3527 per month, or $42321 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.7K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,527

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.3K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:53

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Newark, NJ	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $5,699less	74.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $427less	21.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $387less	24.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$989/mo	↓ $176less	15.1%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$527/mo	↓ $161less	23.4%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.56more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.5%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$5,699

less

📦Other

↓ 21.0%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$427

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.1%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$387

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.1%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$176

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.4%

Newark, NJ

$688

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$161

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

Newark, NJ

$600

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$6.56

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference+$3,000/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,400

To$750

↓ $650

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$850

↓ $750

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,050

↓ $880

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$1,400

↓ $1,030

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$6,843

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Pittsburgh

$484K

Median Value

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

$395K - $565K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Newark

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$235

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.