Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Pittsburgh is 46% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,221/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 43%
$64,137/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 34%
$193,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 184%
$1,136/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 52%
303,620
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $21,652/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lakewood?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lakewood?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,652/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Lakewood details →

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