Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Pittsburgh is 56% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,221/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 66%
$64,137/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 77%
$193,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 261%
$1,136/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 91%
303,620
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $49,501/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Alexandria?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Alexandria?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $49,501/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Virginia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Alexandria details →

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