Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Pittsburgh is 37% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,221/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 27%
$64,137/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 26%
$193,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 125%
$1,136/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 44%
303,620
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $16,952/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $16,952/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Michigan?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Ann Arbor details →

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