Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Pittsburgh is 44% cheaper than Cary.

$1,221/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 33%
$64,137/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 102%
$193,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 172%
$1,136/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 54%
303,620
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $65,262/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Cary — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Cary?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Cary?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $65,262/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Cary details →

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