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Old 08-16-2012, 05:46 AM
 
20,273 posts, read 33,022,351 times
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PittsburghToday has updated its cost of living analysis, using 2012 ACCRA data:

Economy - ACCRA Cost Of Living Index

Compared to its benchmark of 13 other metros (so 14 in total), Pittsburgh was 3rd-lowest overall (Cincy was lowest, followed by St Louis). Housing remains a bigger driver (2nd-lowest, after St Louis). However, Pittsburgh was also below-average in Grocery (5th), Utilities (6th), Misc (4th), and in fact its best ranking was in Health Care (1st). Its only above-average score was in Transportation (12th).
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Old 08-16-2012, 06:22 AM
 
Location: 15206
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Yes that will go really far here unless you have credit card & school debt that is upward of 3k per month.
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Old 08-16-2012, 06:55 AM
 
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It all depends on the size of the family and your lifestyle. If you have many children and want them to each participate in multiple activites, 75k could get tight. As selltheburgh mentioned, debt is a huge factor also. If you're trying to live large and keep up with the jones, you'll find yourself struggling. If you want to live a modest life in a middle class neighborhood, you'll have plenty of money for activities, vacations, etc.
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Old 08-16-2012, 09:29 AM
 
Location: Pennsylvania
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The Economy - ACCRA Cost Of Living Index link is pretty informative.
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Old 08-16-2012, 03:06 PM
 
Location: Crafton via San Francisco
3,463 posts, read 4,647,204 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianTH View Post
PittsburghToday has updated its cost of living analysis, using 2012 ACCRA data:

Economy - ACCRA Cost Of Living Index

Compared to its benchmark of 13 other metros (so 14 in total), Pittsburgh was 3rd-lowest overall (Cincy was lowest, followed by St Louis). Housing remains a bigger driver (2nd-lowest, after St Louis). However, Pittsburgh was also below-average in Grocery (5th), Utilities (6th), Misc (4th), and in fact its best ranking was in Health Care (1st). Its only above-average score was in Transportation (12th).
Doesn't surprise me. I compared the Boston numbers to Pittsburgh because COL in Boston is comparable to San Francisco and the difference was about what I figured after my visit. Definitely a major factor in my decision making process.
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Old 08-16-2012, 06:37 PM
 
Location: Currently living in Reddit
5,652 posts, read 6,989,046 times
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If you're planning kids, keep in mind taxes in the best school districts will set you back $500/month or so on a $250K house.
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Old 08-16-2012, 07:39 PM
 
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I'm starting to feel like it's less of "Pittsburgh is affordable" and more of "So many other cities are prohibitively expensive."
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Old 08-16-2012, 08:53 PM
 
Location: Crafton via San Francisco
3,463 posts, read 4,647,204 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sskink View Post
If you're planning kids, keep in mind taxes in the best school districts will set you back $500/month or so on a $250K house.
Still less than I'm spending on rent in San Francisco for a two bedroom, one bath townhouse. Plus, there's no laundry. I get to go to the laundromat. A $250k house in Pittsburgh would cost at least $750,000 in San Francisco.
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Old 08-16-2012, 09:31 PM
 
583 posts, read 884,897 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianTH View Post
I'd broadly agree with that: places like St Louis and the Three Cs in Ohio are now essentially the same as Pittsburgh on COL.
I can't speak to Cleveland or St. Louis, but Columbus and Cincinnati are significantly more affordable than Pittsburgh. It costs more to rent in Pittsburgh, and what you get for your rental dollar is much less than in Columbus or Cincinnati.

In Indianapolis, we just blew up a building that was newer and, with anything approaching proper care, would have been every bit as nice and in a better part of town than that for which I pay excessively here.

http://www.emporis.com/images/show/300443-Large.jpg

Built in 1974.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ferrarisnowday View Post
I'm starting to feel like it's less of "Pittsburgh is affordable" and more of "So many other cities are prohibitively expensive."
That's a very wise and accurate analysis.
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Old 08-17-2012, 03:57 AM
 
Location: Pittsburgh PA
1,125 posts, read 2,349,004 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juliegt View Post
Still less than I'm spending on rent in San Francisco for a two bedroom, one bath townhouse. Plus, there's no laundry. I get to go to the laundromat. A $250k house in Pittsburgh would cost at least $750,000 in San Francisco.
Likely more. Someone I knew lived in suburban San Jose back in the 80's, a one bedroom house cost them $2,000,000. That is one reason that I love Pittsburgh, I have yet to see out of the world prices for mediocre houses
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