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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Ontario

California
152

Pittsburgh is 50% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,221/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 57%
$64,137/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
$193,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 194%
$1,136/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 73%
303,620
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $18,669/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Ontario — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Ontario?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Ontario?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $18,669/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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