Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Reston, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 38.2% cheaper than Reston, VA. This translates to saving $2868 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Reston, VA, you'd need approximately $115,581.102 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Reston, VA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 63.2% cheaper than in Reston, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $2,257/month in Reston, VA.

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

Moving from Reston, VA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $2868 per month, or $34419 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Reston, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Reston, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in Reston, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.6K in Pittsburgh, PA

Using and Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area data

Overall Cost

↓ 38.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,868

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.4K

Per year

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

Reston, VA

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:62

Reston, VA

The Old Dominion State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 63K 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: Reston, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Reston, VA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,300/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $3,351less	63.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,787/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $572less	32.0%
📦Other	$1,730/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $123less	7.1%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$607/mo	↑ $112more	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$527/mo	↓ $88.71less	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$989/mo	↓ $61.56less	5.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.2%

Reston, VA

$5,300

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$3,351

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.0%

Reston, VA

$1,787

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$572

less

📦Other

↓ 7.1%

Reston, VA

$1,730

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$123

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.6%

Reston, VA

$495

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$112

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

Reston, VA

$615

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$88.71

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Reston, VA

$1,051

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$61.56

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Reston, VA 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$1,531

To$750

↓ $781

1 Bed

From$1,773

To$850

↓ $923

2 Bed

From$2,257

To$1,050

↓ $1,207

3 Bed

From$3,143

To$1,400

↓ $1,743

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition.

$10,978

Monthly in Reston, VA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$4,084

Difference

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$314

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

Rate difference

Reston, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Reston, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.