Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Pittsburgh is 4% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,221/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 9%
$64,137/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
$193,200 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 15%
$1,136/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 12%
303,620
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $12,798/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Springfield — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Springfield?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Springfield?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,798/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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