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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Pittsburgh is 25% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,221/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 15%
$64,137/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 27%
$193,200 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 38%
$1,136/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 11%
303,620
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $17,509/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $120,600 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, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (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 $1,039/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Rochester?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $17,509/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New York?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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