Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Pittsburgh is 67% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,221/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 96%
$64,137/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$193,200 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 446%
$1,136/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 117%
303,620
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $45,936/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $45,936/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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