Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Pittsburgh is 19% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,221/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 13%
$64,137/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 13%
$193,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 23%
$1,136/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 10%
303,620
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $8,450/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Montgomery?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Montgomery?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $8,450/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Alabama?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Montgomery details →

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