Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Pittsburgh is 29% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,221/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 18%
$64,137/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 29%
$193,200 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 35%
$1,136/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 14%
303,620
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $18,292/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Syracuse?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $18,292/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New York?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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