Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Pittsburgh is 23% cheaper than Providence.

$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 9%
$64,137/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 4%
$193,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 67%
$1,136/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 29%
303,620
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $2,635/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Providence — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Providence?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Providence?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $2,635/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Rhode Island?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Providence

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Providence vs. Glendale Providence vs. Akron Providence vs. Vancouver Providence vs. Brownsville Providence vs. Knoxville Providence vs. Tempe