salaryColumbus is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Pittsburgh to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,314
$1,621
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,484
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$70,903
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$205,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
94.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$1,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$114
👥 People living there
203,711
304,759
Commute to work
20.9 min
22.7 min
College degree
30.5%
49.1%
Own their home
50.8%
47.7%
Below poverty line
19%
20.1%
Unemployment
6.3%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Pittsburgh for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $35,470 | +71% in Pittsburgh |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $83,190 | +66% in Pittsburgh |
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $72,230 | +48% in Pittsburgh |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $70,100 | +48% in Pittsburgh |
| Electrician | $50,730 | $69,340 | +37% in Pittsburgh |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $61,180 | +36% in Pittsburgh |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $62,140 | +33% in Pittsburgh |
| Civil Engineer | $77,600 | $100,680 | +30% in Pittsburgh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,621 in Pittsburgh.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $63,612 a year gives the same standard of living in Pittsburgh.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Pittsburgh?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $70,903 in Pittsburgh, 12% more in Pittsburgh.