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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Pittsburgh is 49% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,221/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 56%
$64,137/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
$193,200 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 177%
$1,136/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 77%
303,620
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $30,676/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Jersey City?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Jersey City?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $30,676/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Jersey City details →

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