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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Pittsburgh is 63% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,221/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 86%
$64,137/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 119%
$193,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 348%
$1,136/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 112%
303,620
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,054/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $12,648/year.

Median household income is $76,023/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Arlington — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Arlington?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,054/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Arlington?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $76,023/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Arlington details →

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