Atlanta vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 19% cheaper than Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 5.49% in GA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Atlanta and Pittsburgh presents a substantial shift in overall expenses. Pittsburgh offers a noticeably more affordable cost of living, with its overall index falling well below the national average. Atlanta, in contrast, sits above the national average, making it a more expensive place to reside. The most significant difference driving this gap is housing costs.
Housing
Housing affordability is a major differentiator. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Atlanta. Pittsburgh's median home prices are significantly lower, and monthly rents for a typical one-bedroom unit are also much less. While property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for housing is a much bigger commitment in Atlanta.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show variations. Pennsylvania's state income tax rate is notably lower than Georgia's, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are higher in Atlanta, while food and healthcare expenses are somewhat more affordable in Pittsburgh. Utilities are roughly similar, though slightly higher in Pittsburgh. These differences add up to a generally more budget-friendly daily life in Pittsburgh.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle changes. Atlanta offers a warmer, humid subtropical climate with mild winters, while Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, including colder, snowy winters. Atlanta is a sprawling southern metropolis with significant traffic, leading to longer average commutes. Pittsburgh, a historic industrial city, is more compact with a distinct hilly topography and a shorter average commute.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing financial savings, Pittsburgh clearly offers a more economical choice across the board, especially concerning housing and income taxes. While Atlanta provides a different climate and urban experience, it comes with a higher price tag for nearly all major spending categories. Your household budget will stretch considerably further in Pittsburgh compared to Atlanta.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 105 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 98 |
| Food index | 98 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 98 | 88 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.