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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $441/month more in Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.3K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Pittsburgh, PA area
Overall Cost
↑ 5.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$441
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$5.3K
Per year

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K
Cost Index:
106
(6% above avg)
Median Home:$188K

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pittsburgh, PA vs Buffalo, NY

Transportation
↑ 29.1%
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,216
Buffalo, NY
$1,570
Difference
$354
more
Other
↑ 11.3%
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,607
Buffalo, NY
$1,789
Difference
$182
more
All Utilities
↓ 17.9%
Pittsburgh, PA
$607
Buffalo, NY
$498
Difference
$109
less
Groceries
↑ 5.0%
Pittsburgh, PA
$989
Buffalo, NY
$1,039
Difference
$49.81
more
Healthcare
↑ 7.2%
Pittsburgh, PA
$527
Buffalo, NY
$565
Difference
$37.92
more
Housing
↓ 1.9%
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,949
Buffalo, NY
$1,911
Difference
$37.73
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Buffalo, NY 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$750
To$1,212
↑ $462
1 Bed
From$850
To$1,253
↑ $403
2 Bed
From$1,050
To$1,477
↑ $427
3 Bed
From$1,400
To$1,804
↑ $404
Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/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.

$6,894
Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA
$7,372
Monthly in Buffalo, NY
$477
Difference

Home Values

Pittsburgh
Buffalo
-
Median Value
$188K
-
YoY Change
↑ +2.5%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +37.7%
-
Price Range
$108K - $558K
Calculate payment - Buffalo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $4.9K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$412
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.3%
Rate difference

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

Buffalo, NY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
New York State Tax
Effective: 6.4%
$9.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.0%
$46.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,620/month
$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%
Property Tax:1.4%

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.

Environment

Pittsburgh
Buffalo
52 Moderate
Air Quality
54 Moderate
47.8%
Good Air Days
37.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
12 days
Heat Days >95°F
11 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
12 days
Heat Days >95°F
11 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Pennsylvania and New York on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Pittsburgh, PA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $169/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $169/mo

Similar cost to Buffalo, NY

Other cities in a similar price range

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