Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 11.0% cheaper than Richmond, VA. This translates to saving $825 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $140,100 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 23.5% cheaper than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Moving from Richmond, VA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $825 per month, or $9900 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $825/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$825

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.9K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$350K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:89

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K 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: Richmond, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Richmond, VA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,547/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $598less	23.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $151less	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$527/mo	↓ $105less	16.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$607/mo	↑ $32.79more	5.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.5%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$598

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$151

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Richmond, VA

$632

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$105

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Richmond, VA

$574

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Richmond, VA

$959

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$29.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Richmond, 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$1,490

To$750

↓ $740

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$850

↓ $710

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,050

↓ $660

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,400

↓ $740

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$859

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Pittsburgh

$350K

Median Value

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

$234K - $619K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Richmond

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

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

Richmond, 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

Richmond, 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.