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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Downey

California
169

Pittsburgh is 55% cheaper than Downey.

$1,221/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 55%
$64,137/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 36%
$193,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 277%
$1,136/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 76%
303,620
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $23,263/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Downey — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Downey?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Downey?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,263/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Downey

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens