Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Pittsburgh is 35% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,221/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 10%
$64,137/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
$193,200 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 157%
$1,136/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 23%
303,620
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $10,788/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $10,788/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Utah?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Salt Lake City details →

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