Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Denver is 93% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,770/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 31%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 67%
$1,839/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $27,544/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Denver or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $27,544/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Pennsylvania?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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