Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Pittsburgh is 68% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,221/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 125%
$64,137/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 97%
$193,200 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 439%
$1,136/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 132%
303,620
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,521/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $18,252/year.

Median household income is $62,332/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Cambridge?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,521/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Cambridge?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,332/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Cambridge details →

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