Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Sacramento is 74% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,694/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 28%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 23%
$484,600 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 60%
$1,752/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 35%
524,802
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $19,616/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Sacramento or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $19,616/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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