Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Pittsburgh is 45% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,221/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 51%
$64,137/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 32%
$193,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 148%
$1,136/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 57%
303,620
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $20,480/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,480/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Santa Maria details →

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