Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Pittsburgh is 39% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,221/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 39%
$64,137/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
$193,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 112%
$1,136/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 54%
303,620
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $11,946/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lancaster?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lancaster?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $11,946/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Lancaster details →

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