Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Atlanta is 61% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,617/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 24%
$81,938/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 22%
$420,600 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 54%
$1,695/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 33%
499,287
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $17,801/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Atlanta or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $17,801/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Pennsylvania?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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