Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Pittsburgh is 45% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,221/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 48%
$64,137/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 57%
$193,200 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 150%
$1,136/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 68%
303,620
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $36,848/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Thornton — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Thornton?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Thornton?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $36,848/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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