Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Philadelphia is 25% more expensive than Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is 13% safer. Philadelphia has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Philadelphia population: 1,574,281. Pittsburgh population: 307,632.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.
| Category | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 125 | 100 |
| Housing | $3,293/moIndex: 185 | $2,047/moIndex: 115 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $410/moIndex: 100 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $224/moIndex: 102 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 13% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs Philadelphia's 26.5. Pittsburgh earns a B- safety grade compared to Philadelphia's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
| Metric | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 26.5/1K | 23/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 450.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1900.0 | 1846.9 |
| Murder Rate | 12.2 | 7.6 |
| Assault Rate | 561.2 | 373.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 121.4 | 89.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 245.4 | 266.3 |
| Theft Rate | 1445.1 | 1290.5 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 266.1 | 412.5 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Philadelphia, you have a 1 in 38 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Pittsburgh.
Climate: Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh
Philadelphia Climate Overview
Pittsburgh Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.4°F | 61°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 47.9°F | 43.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 42.2" | 37.5" |
| Annual Snow | 19.0" | 30.5" |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 3 |
Philadelphia is 4°F warmer in summer than Pittsburgh, but Pittsburgh is 4°F colder in winter than Philadelphia. Pittsburgh gets significantly more snow (31" vs 19"). Philadelphia has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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