Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Pittsburgh is 26% cheaper than Madison.

$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 12%
$64,137/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
$193,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 80%
$1,136/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 30%
303,620
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $12,846/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Madison — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Madison?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Madison?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $12,846/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Wisconsin?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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