Is Pittsburgh, PA or Cincinnati, OH cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Pittsburgh, PA leaves you more: $4,512/yr. On $120,000, Pittsburgh, PA leaves $75,168/yr in pocket (state tax $3,684, housing $11,568) vs Cincinnati, OH's $70,656 (state tax $4,200, housing $15,564).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Pennsylvania: 3.07% vs Ohio: 3.50%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Pittsburgh, PA vs Cincinnati, OH

Pittsburgh, PA vs Cincinnati, OH: cost of living on $120,000

Pittsburgh, PA +$4,512/yr On $120,000, Pittsburgh, PA leaves $75,168/yr in pocket vs Cincinnati, OH's $70,656 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Pittsburgh, PA	Cincinnati, OH
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$3,684 (3.07%)	$4,200 (3.50%)
After-tax income	$86,736	$86,220
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$11,568	$15,564
Real money in pocket	$75,168	$70,656

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 Pittsburgh, PA or Cincinnati, OH cheaper?: On $120,000, Pittsburgh, PA — by $4,512/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Pennsylvania 3.07% vs Ohio 3.50%) and housing cost.

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