Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Austin is 76% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,655/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 26%
$91,461/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 30%
$512,700 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 62%
$1,747/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 35%
967,862
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $27,324/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Austin or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $27,324/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Pennsylvania?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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