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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Raleigh is 45% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,468/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 17%
$82,424/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 22%
$377,800 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 49%
$1,487/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 24%
470,763
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $18,287/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Raleigh or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $18,287/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Pennsylvania?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Pittsburgh details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Pittsburgh

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Pittsburgh vs. Newark Pittsburgh vs. Greensboro Pittsburgh vs. St. Paul Pittsburgh vs. St. Louis Pittsburgh vs. Irvine Pittsburgh vs. Lincoln