Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Wilmington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 8.3% cheaper than Wilmington, NC. This translates to saving $624 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Wilmington, NC, you'd need approximately $142,510.029 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wilmington, NC and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 16.4% cheaper than in Wilmington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,836/month in Wilmington, NC.

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

Moving from Wilmington, NC to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $624 per month, or $7490 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wilmington, NC vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wilmington, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Wilmington, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $624/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.5K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$624

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.5K

Per year

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

Wilmington, NC

Population:123K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$385K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:92

Wilmington, NC

The Tar Heel State

123K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 123K 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: Wilmington, NC vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Wilmington, NC	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,331/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $382less	16.4%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$527/mo	↓ $90.72less	14.7%
📦Other	$1,696/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $88.72less	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$607/mo	↑ $73.29more	13.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $52.70less	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$989/mo	↑ $3.85more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.4%

Wilmington, NC

$2,331

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$382

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.7%

Wilmington, NC

$617

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$90.72

less

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Wilmington, NC

$1,696

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$88.72

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Wilmington, NC

$533

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$73.29

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.2%

Wilmington, NC

$1,268

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$52.70

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Wilmington, NC

$985

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$3.85

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Wilmington, NC 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$1,266

To$750

↓ $516

1 Bed

From$1,678

To$850

↓ $828

2 Bed

From$1,836

To$1,050

↓ $786

3 Bed

From$2,406

To$1,400

↓ $1,006

Wilmington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,790/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.

$7,431

Monthly in Wilmington, NC

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$537

Difference

Home Values

Wilmington

Pittsburgh

$385K

Median Value

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +45.7%

5-Year Change

$380K - $499K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Wilmington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$210

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Wilmington, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Wilmington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.