Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Pittsburgh is 8% cheaper than Athens.

$1,221/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 5%
$64,137/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
$193,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 41%
$1,136/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 2%
303,620
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $12,482/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Athens — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Athens?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Athens?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $12,482/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Georgia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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