Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 12.1% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $904 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $139,150.198 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 15.7% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $904 per month, or $10850 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $904/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$904

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:88

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $364less	15.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $205less	14.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $167less	9.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$989/mo	↓ $115less	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$527/mo	↓ $80.54less	13.3%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$364

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↓ 9.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$115

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$80.54

less

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$1,125/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$750

↓ $530

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$850

↓ $540

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,050

↓ $610

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,400

↓ $590

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$932

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

$241K

Median Value

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

$71K - $855K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, 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

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.