Pittsburgh vs Phoenix
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Phoenix is 16% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall.Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 89 vs Phoenix at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Phoenix costs 56% less.

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Pittsburgh
PA
89
COLI index
VS
Phoenix
AZ
103
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Pittsburgh | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 89 | 103 | +16% |
| Housing | 82 | 128 | +56% |
| Groceries | 101 | 104 | +3% |
| Transport | 98 | 107 | +9% |
| Healthcare | 104 | 103 | -1% |
| Utilities | 110 | 110 | Same |
Median 1BR Rent
Pittsburgh
$1,100/mo
Phoenix
$1,600/mo
Median Home Price
Pittsburgh
$215,000
Phoenix
$385,000
Median Household Income
Pittsburgh
$47,303
Phoenix
$64,882
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Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.