Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than University Place, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 18.0% cheaper than University Place, WA. This translates to saving $1348 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in University Place, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in University Place, WA, you'd need approximately $133,824.861 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between University Place, WA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 33.7% cheaper than in University Place, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,510/month in University Place, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from University Place, WA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from University Place, WA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $1348 per month, or $16175 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

University Place, WA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 University Place, WA — COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area + state data

Current salary in University Place, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.8K in Pittsburgh, PA

Using Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA and Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area data

Overall Cost

↓ 18.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,348

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.2K

Per year

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

University Place, WA

Population:35K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:82

University Place, WA

The Evergreen State

35K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 35K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: University Place, WA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	University Place, WA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,942/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $993less	33.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,823/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $607less	33.3%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$527/mo	↓ $281less	34.8%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$607/mo	↑ $135more	28.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$989/mo	↓ $68.23less	6.5%
📦Other	$1,575/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $31.85more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.7%

University Place, WA

$2,942

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$993

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.3%

University Place, WA

$1,823

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$607

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 34.8%

University Place, WA

$807

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$281

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.7%

University Place, WA

$471

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$135

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.5%

University Place, WA

$1,057

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$68.23

less

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

University Place, WA

$1,575

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$31.85

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

University Place, WA 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$1,020

To$750

↓ $270

1 Bed

From$1,183

To$850

↓ $333

2 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,050

↓ $460

3 Bed

From$2,122

To$1,400

↓ $722

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

$8,676

Monthly in University Place, WA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$1,782

Difference

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$384

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

University Place, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

University Place, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.