Is Houston, TX or Pittsburgh, PA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Pittsburgh, PA leaves you more: $163/yr. On $120,000, Houston, TX leaves $75,005/yr in pocket (state tax $0, housing $15,415) vs Pittsburgh, PA's $75,168 (state tax $3,684, housing $11,568).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Texas: 0% vs Pennsylvania: 3.07%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Houston, TX vs Pittsburgh, PA

Houston, TX vs Pittsburgh, PA: cost of living on $120,000

Pittsburgh, PA +$163/yr On $120,000, Houston, TX leaves $75,005/yr in pocket vs Pittsburgh, PA's $75,168 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Houston, TX	Pittsburgh, PA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$0 (0%)	$3,684 (3.07%)
After-tax income	$90,420	$86,736
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$15,415	$11,568
Real money in pocket	$75,005	$75,168

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Houston, TX or Pittsburgh, PA cheaper?: On $120,000, Pittsburgh, PA — by $163/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Texas 0% vs Pennsylvania 3.07%) and housing cost.

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