Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Pittsburgh is 18% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 8%
$64,137/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 37%
$193,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 49%
$1,136/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 17%
303,620
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $23,630/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Rochester — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Rochester?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Rochester?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,630/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Minnesota?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Rochester

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley