New York vs Pittsburgh

Cost of Living Comparison

New York

Gross Salary $70,000
Tax -$10,486
Rent (2BR) -$34,920
Net Income $24,594

To match your lifestyle in Pittsburgh, you'd need:

$30,067

The Verdict

Cost of Living Index

New York 149.7
Pittsburgh 72.6
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Purchasing Power

New York $16,433
Pittsburgh $62,006

Pittsburgh

Gross Salary $70,000
Tax -$9,390
Rent (2BR) -$15,588
Net Income $45,022

To match your lifestyle in New York, you'd need:

$166,012

The Bottom Line

On a $70,000 salary, you would have $20,428 more per year in Pittsburgh compared to New York. You'd pay $1,096 less in taxes in Pittsburgh, while housing costs 55% less. The cost of living in New York is 50% above avg, while Pittsburgh is 27% below avg, making Pittsburgh the more affordable city overall. Your $70,000 salary in New York feels like earning $30,067 in Pittsburgh once you factor in taxes, rent, and cost of living. For K-12 education, Pittsburgh has a better pupil-teacher ratio (0:1 vs 0:1). College is more affordable in New York ($19,246 vs $20,861 avg in-state tuition).

K-12 Schools

New York
Pittsburgh
Schools
4,508
553
Enrollment
2,774,536
300,597
Pupil:Teacher
0:1
0:1
Charter %
6.3%
4.8%
Title I %
0%
0%

Colleges & Universities

New York
Pittsburgh
Institutions
364
67
In-State Tuition
$19,246
$20,861
Out-of-State
$20,786
$23,113
Grad Rate
59.0%
63.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York or Pittsburgh more expensive?

New York is more expensive with a cost of living index of 149.7 vs 72.6 (national average = 100).

What salary in Pittsburgh equals $70,000 in New York?

You would need to earn approximately $30,067 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same purchasing power as a $70,000 salary in New York, after accounting for taxes, rent, and cost of living differences.

How much is rent in New York vs Pittsburgh?

Average annual rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $34,920 in New York and $15,588 in Pittsburgh—housing is 55% less in Pittsburgh.