Moving from Pittsburgh to Scranton (2026)
Scranton has a COL index of 83 vs 92 for Pittsburgh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Scranton to match your Pittsburgh lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Pittsburgh | Equivalent in Scranton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,087 |
| $50K | $45,109 |
| $60K | $54,130 |
| $75K | $67,663 |
| $80K | $72,174 |
| $100K | $90,217 |
| $120K | $108,261 |
| $150K | $135,326 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Pittsburgh vs Scranton
| Expense | Pittsburgh | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,547 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $100 | $58 |
| Utilities | $175 | $165 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,490 | $2,851 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Scranton cheaper than Pittsburgh?
Yes. Scranton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 92 for Pittsburgh (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Pittsburgh to Scranton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Pittsburgh to Scranton could save roughly $361/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,332/year.
What salary do I need in Scranton to match my Pittsburgh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Pittsburgh, you'd need roughly $67,663/year in Scranton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only