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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Pittsburgh is 65% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,221/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 82%
$64,137/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 62%
$193,200 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 441%
$1,136/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 106%
303,620
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $997/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $11,964/year.

Median household income is $39,641/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Pasadena?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $997/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Pasadena?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $39,641/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Pasadena details →

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