Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Pittsburgh is 15% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,221/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 20%
$64,137/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 14%
$193,200 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 4%
$1,136/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 11%
303,620
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $8,858/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and St. Louis?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or St. Louis?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $8,858/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Missouri?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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