Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Scranton, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 6.0% cheaper than Scranton, PA. This translates to saving $450 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Scranton, PA, you'd need approximately $144,604.752 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Scranton, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 9.3% more expensive than in Scranton, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $954/month in Scranton, PA.

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

Moving from Scranton, PA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $450 per month, or $5395 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Scranton, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Scranton, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Scranton, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $450/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.6K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$450

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

Scranton, PA

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$192K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:94

Scranton, PA

The Keystone State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 76K 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: Scranton, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Scranton, PA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,401/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $185less	13.2%
📦Other	$1,776/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $169less	9.5%
🏠Housing	$1,784/mo	$1,949/mo	↑ $165more	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$527/mo	↓ $117less	18.2%
⚡All Utilities	$558/mo	$607/mo	↑ $48.88more	8.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$989/mo	↓ $39.88less	3.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.2%

Scranton, PA

$1,401

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$185

less

📦Other

↓ 9.5%

Scranton, PA

$1,776

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$169

less

🏠Housing

↑ 9.3%

Scranton, PA

$1,784

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$165

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.2%

Scranton, PA

$644

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.8%

Scranton, PA

$558

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$48.88

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Scranton, PA

$1,029

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$39.88

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Scranton, PA: Scranton Earned Income Tax$5,100/yr (3.4%)

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

Net difference-$600/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$659

To$750

↑ $91.00

1 Bed

From$782

To$850

↑ $68.00

2 Bed

From$954

To$1,050

↑ $96.00

3 Bed

From$1,241

To$1,400

↑ $159

Scranton, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,090/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.

$7,191

Monthly in Scranton, PA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$297

Difference

Home Values

Scranton

Pittsburgh

$192K

Median Value

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↑ +59.6%

5-Year Change

$165K - $208K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Scranton

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Scranton, 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

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

Scranton, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.