Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 21% cheaper than Philadelphia overall.
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 Philadelphia and Pittsburgh presents a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Philadelphia is noticeably more expensive across the board, with its overall expenses significantly higher than the national average. Pittsburgh, conversely, offers a much more budget-friendly environment, with its overall costs comfortably below the national average. The primary factor driving this considerable difference is housing expenses, which show a dramatic gap between the two cities.
Housing
Housing costs are considerably higher in Philadelphia, whether you are looking to buy a home or rent an apartment. Median home prices in Philadelphia are substantially greater, and rental rates for a one-bedroom unit also reflect a significant premium compared to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh offers much more affordable housing options, with both home purchase prices and rental costs being noticeably lower. Housing stock in Philadelphia often includes historic rowhouses, while Pittsburgh features a mix of older homes, often on hilly terrain.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all higher in Philadelphia than in Pittsburgh. Transportation costs are also more expensive in Philadelphia, and residents face a slightly longer average commute time. While utility costs are roughly similar, both cities share the same state income tax structure. Therefore, a move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia would mean a noticeable increase in most routine expenditures.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Philadelphia is a larger, more densely populated city with a faster pace and a more extensive public transit system, offering a classic East Coast urban experience. Pittsburgh, while also urban, has a more compact feel, often characterized by its distinct neighborhoods and hilly topography, with public transit serving a smaller footprint. Both cities experience four distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers. Philadelphia is closer to the Atlantic coast, while Pittsburgh is nestled among rivers and hills.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two Pennsylvania metros, the impact on the budget is clear. Philadelphia demands a considerably higher financial commitment for nearly all categories of expenses, most notably housing. A move to Pittsburgh would likely free up a significant portion of a household's income due to its much lower cost of living across housing, transportation, food, and other daily necessities, offering a more affordable lifestyle overall.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 88 |
| Housing index | 91 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 98 |
| Food index | 105 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 102 |
| Misc index | 102 | 88 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.