Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Pittsburgh is 32% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,221/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 20%
$64,137/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
$193,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 104%
$1,136/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 36%
303,620
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $263/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $263/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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