Pittsburgh, PA Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Pittsburgh
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area run 8.5% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 91.5 on a base of 100). That puts Pittsburgh close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Pennsylvania household — see the Pennsylvania state report.
Other Pennsylvania metros
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA RPP 100.5 C
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA?
The Pittsburgh, PA metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.5 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 8.5% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Pittsburgh an affordable place to live?
Pittsburgh, PA has an InflationRank score of 83/100 (grade B), reflecting above-average affordability relative to U.S. metros. The metro RPP of 91.5 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Pittsburgh compare to other cities for cost of living?
Pittsburgh, PA has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (U.S.=100), 8.5% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Cincinnati, OH (RPP 91.5), Cleveland-Elyria, OH (RPP 91.5).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →