Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 23% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $57,645 in Pittsburgh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Pennsylvania salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Pittsburgh sits at 79 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $195,000 in Pittsburgh, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,100 in Pittsburgh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Pittsburgh scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Pittsburgh (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $52,536 in Pittsburgh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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