Cost of Living in Pittsburgh (vs Your State)

Pittsburgh: a city of steel. Where rivers meet and people from all walks of life come together to form a city unlike any other.

Hills and bridges tie Pittsburgh’s 90 distinctive neighborhoods into one amazing place. From the Golden Triangle and its Cultural District to surrounding residential, industrial, educational, and technological areas, everything contributes to making Pittsburgh such a great place to live.

According to an article by Money.com, Pittsburgh is the “most affordable housing market in the world” after a recent study from the Urban Reform Institute and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Money.com went on to report that Realtor.com data showed that the median listing price for a home in Pittsburgh is $222,500, whereas the national median is $405,000.

Pittsburgh’s cost of living is 5.5% lower than the National Average, letting you afford more home than you would expect. Pittsburgh has also grown its health care, education, and tech industries. Indeed, over 1,500 tech companies—including Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon—call Pittsburgh home. And educational opportunities abound with 68 colleges and universities ready to advance your knowledge.

But how does Pittsburgh compare to where you already live? Why should you come here to live? Let’s explore some side-by-side comparisons to learn why living in Pittsburgh is so great!

(Details in the following comparisons use Forbes Advisor’s Cost of Living Calculator comparing Pittsburgh with an equivalent city using a pre-tax household income of $70,000.)

COST OF LIVING IN CALIFORNIA VS PENNSYLVANIA

For California, we compared San Francisco to Pittsburgh. San Francisco’s cost of living is 78% more than Pittsburgh, and the average home cost is about 259% higher. Gasoline is more expensive in San Francisco, about 36% more. And health care—an industry we’ve already noted is booming in Pittsburgh—is about 28% higher in San Francisco.

COST OF LIVING IN COLORADO VS PENNSYLVANIA

Let’s look at Denver, which has a cost of living 10% more than Pittsburgh. Homes cost about 52% more in Denver, and health care is about 5% higher. Though gasoline is about 7% less in Denver, the cost of eggs is about 7% higher. That last one might seem quite random, but the cost of common goods is a very strong indicator of an area’s true living expense.

COST OF LIVING IN DELAWARE VS PENNSYLVANIA

Examining Dover, we see that Dover and Pittsburgh are actually quite similar in many respects. Dover’s cost of living is only 1% more, but homes cost about 7% less. Gasoline is only about 1% less and health care is about the same for each city. Eggs, however, cost about 25% higher in Dover, which perhaps signals higher additional expenses.

COST OF LIVING IN FLORIDA VS PENNSYLVANIA

Living in the sun of Miami comes with a price: a cost of living 20% higher than Pittsburgh. Homes cost about 49% more and gas is surprisingly slightly cheaper by 5%. While the overall cost of healthcare is about the same, doctor’s visits are about 12% higher in Miami. And having eggs for breakfast will cost you 41% more in Miami than in Pittsburgh.

COST OF LIVING IN NORTH CAROLINA VS PENNSYLVANIA

Charlotte has a lower cost of living than Pittsburgh by 2%, and homes cost about 10% less here too. Charlotte does not, however, have Pittsburgh’s distinguished health care system as health care overall is 16% more expensive in Charlotte and doctor’s visits are about 43% more. Quite a big jump in a usually pricey component of modern life.

COST OF LIVING IN NEW YORK VS PENNSYLVANIA

Of course, the cost of living in New York City is going to be more than Pittsburgh, but how much more is shocking: about 127% higher. Homes cost about 481% more in New York, and gas is about 4% more. Health care is 13% more, and those delicious eggs are 60% more! Living in a big, big city can be exciting, but you sure are going to pay for the experience.

COST OF LIVING IN TEXAS VS PENNSYLVANIA

“Everything’s bigger in Texas” is very true when you compare Dallas to Pittsburgh. Dallas’s cost of living is not much bigger, but it is 2% higher with homes costing about 5% more. Gas is 15% more and eggs are 10% more. Health care is 16% more, with doctor’s visits costing about 44% more. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to the costs of housing, services, and frequent purchases.

COST OF LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS PENNSYLVANIA

The overall cost of living in Charleston is about 2% lower than Pittsburgh, but surprisingly, the average home price is 4% more. Gas is 10% less, but eggs are 4% more. Health care is 1% less, but doctor’s visits are about 50% more. Charleston has its ups and downs when compared to Pittsburgh, but the higher cost of homes and high cost of doctor’s visits seems to offset the tiny 2% better cost of living.

COST OF LIVING IN TENNESSEE VS PENNSYLVANIA

Nashville’s cost of living is 3% lower than Pittsburgh’s, but just like Charleston above, home prices are more expensive—12% more! Gas is 11% less and health care is about 4% less, yet doctor’s visits will cost you 8% more in Nashville. So, even though the overall cost of living is less in Nashville, you’ll still be paying more for your home and doctor’s visits.

LIVING IN PITTSBURGH: FINAL THOUGHTS

Pittsburgh is a lively, historic, and evolving city. Built from a past of industrial excellence, it has grown into a place full of tradition and opportunity. Living here puts you in a prime location for business and work possibilities, and sports and recreation options.

Pittsburgh is renowned for its innovative and cutting-edge healthcare sector, distinguished educational institutions, and unique cultural experiences. All that sounds great on paper, but the best city isn’t a viable place to live if you can’t afford it.

And that’s where Pittsburgh truly shines. As we’ve illustrated above, Pittsburgh has a lower cost of living than many other comparable cities across the country. And not only do homes cost less here than many places, but health care (or, more specifically, doctor’s visits) expenses are lower in Pittsburgh, too.

Having a lower cost of living means that more of your money can go to savings and actually enjoying the many moments, sights, and sounds that this energetic city provides. Check us out here when you’re ready to find your new home in Pittsburgh. Then, all that’s left is for you to do is enjoy all the spirit and excitement that living in Pittsburgh has to offer.