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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Pittsburgh is 28% cheaper than Durham.

$1,221/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 16%
$64,137/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
$193,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 84%
$1,136/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 26%
303,620
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $15,097/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Durham — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Durham?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Durham?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $15,097/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Durham

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo