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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Pittsburgh is 7% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,221/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 9%
$64,137/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$193,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 7%
$1,136/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
303,620
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $1,417/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Abilene — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Abilene?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Abilene?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,417/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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