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Sacramento vs Pittsburgh

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Pittsburgh is 36% cheaper than Sacramento overall.Sacramento has a cost of living index of 140 vs Pittsburgh at 89 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Sacramento costs 62% more.

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Sacramento
CA
140
COLI index
VS
Pittsburgh
PA
89
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySacramentoPittsburghDifference
Overall COLI14089-36%
Housing21582-62%
Groceries111101-9%
Transport11398-13%
Healthcare105104-1%
Utilities118110-7%

Median 1BR Rent

Sacramento
$1,750/mo
Pittsburgh
$1,100/mo

Median Home Price

Sacramento
$480,000
Pittsburgh
$215,000

Median Household Income

Sacramento
$73,198
Pittsburgh
$47,303

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in overall. Sacramento has a cost of living index of 140 while Pittsburgh has an index of 89, where 100 represents the US national average. Pittsburgh is 36% cheaper than Sacramento overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Sacramento is $1,750 per month compared to $1,100 in Pittsburgh. The median home price in Sacramento is $480,000 versus $215,000 in Pittsburgh. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Sacramento has a cost of living index of 140 and Pittsburgh has an index of 89, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Sacramento, multiply by 0.64. For example a $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to approximately $47,679 in Pittsburgh.

Sacramento has a median household income of $73,198 per year versus $47,303 in Pittsburgh. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Sacramento to Pittsburgh is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Pittsburgh is 36% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

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.