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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Houston is 16% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,313/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
$62,894/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 2%
$253,400 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 24%
$1,316/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 14%
2,300,419
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $1,243/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Houston or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $1,243/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Houston or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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