Phoenix vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 14% cheaper than Phoenix overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ vs 3.07% in PA.
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 Phoenix and Pittsburgh presents a substantial shift in overall living expenses. Pittsburgh generally offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to Phoenix, which is slightly above the national average. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are significantly more affordable in Pittsburgh, creating a much bigger gap in household budgets.
Housing
Housing is where the most significant cost difference lies. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Phoenix than in Pittsburgh. Phoenix typically features newer, sprawling developments, while Pittsburgh offers a mix of historic and more traditional housing styles often built into its hilly terrain. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting total ownership expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses show some variation. State income tax is somewhat lower in Phoenix. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Pittsburgh's public transit system is more extensive. Food and healthcare expenses are quite comparable in both metros, being slightly below the national average. However, utilities are noticeably higher in Phoenix, while Pittsburgh's utility costs are closer to the national average.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are pronounced. Phoenix is known for its arid desert climate with abundant sunshine and hot summers, while Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, including snowy winters and humid summers. Getting around in Phoenix often relies on personal vehicles due to its spread-out nature, whereas Pittsburgh's denser urban core and public transit can offer more alternatives. The pace of life and urban density also differ, with Pittsburgh often feeling more compact.
Bottom line
For a household budget, a move from Phoenix to Pittsburgh would likely mean a noticeable reduction in overall expenses, primarily due to significantly lower housing costs. Conversely, moving from Pittsburgh to Phoenix would entail a substantial increase in housing outlays, even with some other costs being roughly similar or slightly lower. The financial impact hinges heavily on housing choices and the differing climate and urban characteristics.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 105 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 98 |
| Food index | 96 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 102 |
| Misc index | 92 | 88 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.