Las Vegas vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 14% cheaper than Las Vegas overall. Las Vegas (NV) has no state income tax; PA tops out around 3.07%.
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
Overall, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is noticeably lower than in Las Vegas. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are considerably more affordable in Pittsburgh. Other categories like utilities also contribute to Las Vegas being a more expensive place to live, while everyday necessities such as food and healthcare are roughly similar between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a much bigger gap, with both median home prices and typical rents being substantially higher in Las Vegas. Las Vegas often features newer construction and desert-adapted homes, with HOAs being common. Pittsburgh offers a wider variety of older, traditional housing stock, and property taxes are a notable ownership cost. Renting a one-bedroom apartment also shows a considerable difference.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are impacted by several factors. Pennsylvania has a state income tax, while Nevada does not, which is a key difference for take-home pay. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Las Vegas is slightly less expensive. Food and healthcare expenses are comparable. However, utility costs are noticeably higher in Las Vegas, affecting monthly budgets for essentials like electricity and water.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are distinct. Las Vegas offers a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, and is known for its entertainment and sprawling development. Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, including snowy winters and humid summers, with a more traditional urban feel and distinct neighborhoods. Both metros have similar average commute times, but Las Vegas is generally more car-dependent, while Pittsburgh has more walkable areas and public transit options.
Bottom line
For a household budget, moving from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas would generally mean a substantial increase in overall expenses, primarily due to significantly higher housing costs. Conversely, a move from Las Vegas to Pittsburgh would likely result in considerable savings, especially in housing. The absence of a state income tax in Nevada is a financial advantage, but it is often offset by higher costs in other categories, particularly utilities.
| Measure | Las Vegas, NV | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 107 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 94 | 98 |
| Food index | 98 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 118 | 102 |
| Misc index | 92 | 88 |
| Median home price | $398,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.