Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Pittsburgh is 24% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 7%
$64,137/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$193,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 81%
$1,136/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 21%
303,620
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $237/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Wilmington?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Wilmington?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $237/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Wilmington details →

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