Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Fresno is 33% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,324/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 45%
$1,391/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 18%
543,615
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $2,667/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Fresno or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $2,667/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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.
View Fresno details → View Pittsburgh details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Pittsburgh

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln