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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Modesto

California
120

Pittsburgh is 37% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,221/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 32%
$64,137/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 21%
$193,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 115%
$1,136/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 42%
303,620
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $13,762/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Modesto — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Modesto?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Modesto?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,762/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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