Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Pittsburgh is 7% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,221/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 6%
$64,137/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$193,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 19%
$1,136/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 1%
303,620
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $3,190/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lakeland?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lakeland?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $3,190/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Lakeland

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon