Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Pittsburgh is 17% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,221/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 12%
$64,137/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 8%
$193,200 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 24%
$1,136/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 7%
303,620
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $4,954/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Kansas City?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Kansas City?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $4,954/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kansas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Kansas City details →

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