Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Seattle is 158% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,998/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 39%
$121,984/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 47%
$912,100 ↑ 372%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 79%
$2,220/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 49%
741,440
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $57,847/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Seattle or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $57,847/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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More Comparisons

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