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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Los Angeles is 146% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,879/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 35%
$80,366/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 355%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 78%
$2,055/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 45%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $16,229/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $16,229/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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More Comparisons

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