Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 36.5% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $2738 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $117,144.229 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, MA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 56.4% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

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

Moving from Salem, MA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $2738 per month, or $32856 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.1K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,738

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.9K

Per year

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

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:63

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K 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: Salem, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Salem, MA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $2,518less	56.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $506less	29.4%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$527/mo	↓ $194less	27.0%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $110less	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$607/mo	↓ $87.75less	12.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$989/mo	↓ $57.47less	5.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.4%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$2,518

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.4%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$506

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.0%

Salem, MA

$721

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$194

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$110

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.6%

Salem, MA

$694

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$87.75

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$57.47

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Salem, MA 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$1,631

To$750

↓ $881

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$850

↓ $877

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,050

↓ $997

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$1,400

↓ $1,063

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/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.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$3,473

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Pittsburgh

$590K

Median Value

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$241

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Salem, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.