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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Pittsburgh is 27% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,221/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 16%
$64,137/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 5%
$193,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 76%
$1,136/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 34%
303,620
Population
205,501

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $3,407/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Worcester — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Worcester?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Worcester?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,407/year higher in Worcester.
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 Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Worcester details →

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