Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Pittsburgh is 42% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,221/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 40%
$64,137/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
$193,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 151%
$1,136/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 41%
303,620
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $34,549/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Meridian — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Meridian?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Meridian?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,549/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Idaho?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Meridian

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord