Pittsburgh vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 23% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 4.65% in UT.
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
Comparing Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City reveals a notable difference in overall cost of living. Pittsburgh is considerably more affordable, primarily driven by its housing market. While some daily expenses might be similar or even slightly higher in Pittsburgh, the substantial savings on housing in the Steel City make it the more budget-friendly option for most households. Salt Lake City, conversely, presents a higher overall cost, largely due to its elevated housing expenses.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant divergence between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Salt Lake City compared to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh offers a mix of older, established housing stock, often with more traditional layouts. Salt Lake City features a mix of newer and older construction, with a greater prevalence of modern developments. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent is a much bigger factor.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses show a mixed picture. Salt Lake City generally offers slightly lower utility costs and transportation expenses. Food and healthcare costs are roughly similar in both cities. However, a key difference is state income tax; Utah has a higher state income tax rate than Pennsylvania. This means that while some specific daily expenditures might be less in Salt Lake City, the overall impact on take-home pay can be greater in Utah.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Pittsburgh offers a distinct four-season climate with a humid continental feel, featuring cold winters and warm, humid summers, often with significant snowfall. Its terrain is hilly, influencing urban development and transportation. Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, with mountain access nearby. Pittsburgh's public transit is more established, while Salt Lake City relies more on personal vehicles, though it has a growing light rail system.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Pittsburgh offers a significantly lower cost of living, predominantly due to its much more affordable housing market. While some daily expenses like utilities or transportation might be slightly less in Salt Lake City, and state income tax is higher in Utah, the substantial savings on a home or rent in Pittsburgh would likely lead to a much more favorable household budget. Your lifestyle preferences regarding climate and urban density should also guide your decision.
| Measure | Pittsburgh, PA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 108 |
| Housing index | 64 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 89 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 95 |
| Misc index | 88 | 95 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 28 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.