Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Pittsburgh is 54% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,221/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 56%
$64,137/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 67%
$193,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 267%
$1,136/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 61%
303,620
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $689/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $8,268/year.

Median household income is $43,235/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $689/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $43,235/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Arizona?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pittsburgh and Scottsdale

Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk