Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Pittsburgh, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 9.0% more expensive than Pittsburgh, PA. This translates to spending an extra $674 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pittsburgh, PA, you'd need approximately $158,089.888 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pittsburgh, PA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 26.7% more expensive than in Pittsburgh, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $674 more per month than Pittsburgh, PA, or $8090 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pittsburgh, PA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Pittsburgh, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $674/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Pittsburgh, PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$674

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.1K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$512K

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pittsburgh, PA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Pittsburgh, PA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,949/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $520more	26.7%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $100more	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$601/mo	↑ $74.35more	14.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$546/mo	↓ $60.11less	9.9%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$959/mo	↓ $29.98less	3.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.7%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$520

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$100

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.1%

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$74.35

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.9%

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$29.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

↑ $820

1 Bed

From$850

To$1,640

↑ $790

2 Bed

From$1,050

To$1,800

↑ $750

3 Bed

From$1,400

To$2,255

↑ $855

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$673

Difference

Home Values

Pittsburgh

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$210

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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

Raleigh

52 Moderate

Air Quality

46 Good

47.8%

Good Air Days

61.7%

98 High

Climate Risk

96 High

🌊🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $674/month more in Raleigh, NC

Pittsburgh, PA

Raleigh, NC

Pittsburgh, PA

Raleigh, NC

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code14 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP14 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Pittsburgh, PA

Raleigh, NC

Additional Tax Information

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC