68
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Pittsburgh wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Philadelphia wins 1–2 overall (68/100)
💰 Pittsburgh is more affordable
💼 Pittsburgh has lower unemployment
🛡️ Pittsburgh has fewer disasters
📋 Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh — The Verdict
Pittsburgh scores 67/100 compared to Philadelphia's 68.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Pittsburgh has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Pittsburgh has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Pittsburgh may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Pittsburgh are 20% lower — a difference of $43,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Pittsburgh saves you $97/month — that's $1,164 per year.
🛡️
Pittsburgh has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$215,500
$171,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,250
$1,153
Median Income
$57,537
$60,187
Pittsburgh edges out Philadelphia on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $43,700. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
4.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
78 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
5
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Low
Pittsburgh has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh: Common Questions
Is Philadelphia or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Pittsburgh is more affordable overall. Home prices are $43,700 lower in Pittsburgh. Monthly rent is $1,153 in Pittsburgh vs $1,250 in Philadelphia.
Does Philadelphia or Pittsburgh have better weather?
Pittsburgh scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Philadelphia or Pittsburgh better for finding a job?
Pittsburgh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.2% in Philadelphia vs 4.2% in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $57,537 in Philadelphia and $60,187 in Pittsburgh.
Which city is safer — Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Pittsburgh is safer. Philadelphia has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Pittsburgh.
Should I move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?
Based on our data, Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 vs Pittsburgh's 67.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Pittsburgh is more affordable, while Pittsburgh has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.