salaryPittsburgh 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
$1,347
$1,621
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$1,484
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$70,903
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$205,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
94.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$1,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$114
👥 People living there
638,530
304,759
Commute to work
24.8 min
22.7 min
College degree
18.1%
49.1%
Own their home
50.3%
47.7%
Below poverty line
32.7%
20.1%
Unemployment
14%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Pittsburgh for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $86,370 | $70,100 | -19% in Pittsburgh |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | $63,190 | -18% in Pittsburgh |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $76,550 | +17% in Pittsburgh |
| Electrician | $81,990 | $69,340 | -15% in Pittsburgh |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $82,370 | -15% in Pittsburgh |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $72,230 | +15% in Pittsburgh |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,130 | $30,840 | -12% in Pittsburgh |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,390 | $119,630 | -11% in Pittsburgh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Pittsburgh is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,621 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $56,634 a year gives the same standard of living in Pittsburgh.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Pittsburgh?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $70,903 in Pittsburgh, 39% more in Pittsburgh.