Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Pittsburgh is 22% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 8%
$64,137/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 2%
$193,200 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$328,100 ↑ 70%
$1,136/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↑ 21%
303,620
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $1,466/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Richmond — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Richmond?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Richmond?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $1,466/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Virginia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Richmond details →

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