Pittsburgh vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 45% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 9.3% in CA.
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 Pittsburgh and Sacramento involves a substantial shift in overall expenses. Pittsburgh offers a significantly lower cost of living, driven primarily by its much more affordable housing market. While other categories like groceries, healthcare, and utilities also show Pittsburgh as less expensive, the difference in housing costs creates the most pronounced financial impact on a household budget.
Housing
Housing presents the most dramatic cost difference. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Sacramento. Pittsburgh's housing stock often includes traditional brick homes, while Sacramento features a mix of architectural styles. Homeownership costs beyond the mortgage, such as property taxes and insurance, can also vary significantly between the two states.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing are also generally higher in Sacramento. State income taxes are notably higher in California compared to Pennsylvania. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities all contribute to a higher cost of daily living in Sacramento. This means that routine spending on essentials will require a larger portion of income in the California metro.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters, and is known for its hilly terrain and river systems. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and is situated in a flatter valley. Both cities offer urban amenities, but Sacramento's pace can feel faster, reflecting its role as a state capital.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a household budget will stretch much further in Pittsburgh than in Sacramento. The significant savings on housing, coupled with lower costs for everyday necessities and a more favorable state income tax, mean that a move to Pittsburgh could free up substantial funds compared to living in Sacramento.
| Measure | Pittsburgh, PA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 128 |
| Housing index | 64 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 110 |
| Food index | 95 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 125 |
| Misc index | 88 | 105 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 28 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.