Side-by-side comparison

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Cost of living comparison for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bottom line

Philadelphia is approximately 7% more expensive than Pittsburgh. A single person needs about $3,382/mo in Philadelphia versus $3,152/mo in Pittsburgh.

Rent in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Pittsburgh · Studio

$998

Philadelphia · Studio

$1,372

Philadelphia is $374 (37%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · 1 bedroom

$1,068

Philadelphia · 1 bedroom

$1,512

Philadelphia is $444 (42%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · 2 bedroom

$1,280

Philadelphia · 2 bedroom

$1,802

Philadelphia is $522 (41%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · 3 bedroom

$1,632

Philadelphia · 3 bedroom

$2,171

Philadelphia is $539 (33%) higher than Pittsburgh

Income & earnings in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Pittsburgh · Household income

$76,393

Philadelphia · Household income

$60,698

Pittsburgh is $15,695 (26%) higher than Philadelphia

Pittsburgh · Individual earnings

$48,513

Philadelphia · Individual earnings

$42,478

Pittsburgh is $6,035 (14%) higher than Philadelphia

Pittsburgh · Per capita

$48,208

Philadelphia · Per capita

$37,669

Pittsburgh is $10,539 (28%) higher than Philadelphia

Home values in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Average values and property tax.

Pittsburgh · Average home value

$216,700

Philadelphia · Average home value

$232,400

Philadelphia is $15,700 (7%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · Annual property tax

$3,399

Philadelphia · Annual property tax

$1,952

Pittsburgh is $1,447 (74%) higher than Philadelphia

Energy in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Pittsburgh · Monthly electricity

$143

Philadelphia · Monthly electricity

$143

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · Monthly gas

$62

Philadelphia · Monthly gas

$62

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · Annual total

$2,460

Philadelphia · Annual total

$2,460

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Healthcare in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Pittsburgh · Individual premium

$480

Philadelphia · Individual premium

$480

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · Family premium

$1,350

Philadelphia · Family premium

$1,350

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · Uninsured rate

3.9%

Philadelphia · Uninsured rate

7.2%

Philadelphia is 3.3% (85%) higher than Pittsburgh

Taxes in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

State income and sales tax.

Pittsburgh · State income tax

3.1%

Philadelphia · State income tax

3.1%

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · State sales tax

6.0%

Philadelphia · State sales tax

6.0%

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Pittsburgh · Combined sales tax

6.3%

Philadelphia · Combined sales tax

6.3%

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same

Transportation in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

Commute time and travel modes.

Pittsburgh · Average commute

25.7 min

Philadelphia · Average commute

32.0 min

Philadelphia is 6.3 min (25%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · Drive alone

63.3%

Philadelphia · Drive alone

46.7%

Pittsburgh is 16.6% (36%) higher than Philadelphia

Pittsburgh · Public transit

6.2%

Philadelphia · Public transit

17.9%

Philadelphia is 11.7% (189%) higher than Pittsburgh

Monthly cost estimates in Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia

All categories combined.

Pittsburgh · Single person

$3,152

Philadelphia · Single person

$3,382

Philadelphia is $230 (7%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · Couple

$4,485

Philadelphia · Couple

$4,560

Philadelphia is $75 (2%) higher than Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh · Family

$6,987

Philadelphia · Family

$7,059

Philadelphia is $72 (1%) higher than Pittsburgh

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Is Pittsburgh or Philadelphia more expensive?

Philadelphia is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,152/mo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and $3,382/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a difference of about 7%.

What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia?

Average one-bedroom rent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $1,068/mo versus $1,512/mo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is approximately $444 (42%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia?

Pittsburgh has the higher average household income. Pittsburgh households earn approximately $76,393 per year; Philadelphia households earn approximately $60,698 per year.

More on Pittsburgh and Philadelphia

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Pittsburgh profile Philadelphia profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.