Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Pittsburgh is 50% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,221/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 48%
$64,137/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 77%
$193,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 211%
$1,136/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 71%
303,620
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $49,259/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Arvada — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Arvada?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Arvada?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $49,259/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Arvada details →

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