Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Pittsburgh to Houston
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Pittsburgh has a slightly higher median household income ($65,742 vs $64,813) and lower median gross rent ($1,261 vs $1,361) than Houston, resulting in a more favorable rent-to-income ratio. However, Houston’s median home value is higher ($277,800 vs $205,800), reflecting different equity-building potential. Pittsburgh’s shorter average commute (25 vs 30 minutes) adds to its time-cost efficiency. While Texas has a 0% state income tax in the model, this is a calculator assumption and not a claim about actual liability. The trade-off centers on Pittsburgh’s near-term affordability and commute advantage versus Houston’s larger market and higher home values, with neither city dominating across all metrics.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Houston → PittsburghMoving from Pittsburgh to Houston
Median Rent Impact
+$100/mo
Moving to Houston costs ~$1,200 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
0.0% difference
Neither state imposes an individual state income tax.
Daily Commute Difference
+5 min / day
Difference of ~42 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTPIT → HOU
59/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$11,184after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian owner-occupied home value of $277,800.
Watch closelyA citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Pittsburgh is about $1,200 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Pittsburgh household income$65,742
Houston household income$64,813
Pittsburgh gross rent$1,261
Houston gross rent$1,361
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Pittsburgh | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 304,759 | 2,328,253 |
| Median household income | $65,742 | $64,813 |
| Median gross rent | $1,261 | $1,361 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $205,800 | $277,800 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 0% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 25 minutes in Pittsburgh and 30 minutes in Houston. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income comparison
- Median gross rent affordability
- Median owner-occupied home value
- Average one-way commute time
What each city wins
Pittsburgh
Median rent is 23% of median income.. Watch lower home values may reflect older housing stock or limited new construction..
Houston
Median owner-occupied home value of $277,800.. Watch a citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute..
Frequently asked questions
Which city has a better balance of income and housing costs?
Pittsburgh shows a more favorable rent-to-income ratio based on 2024 ACS data, with lower median gross rent and slightly higher median household income than Houston, indicating relatively better housing affordability for renters.
How do home values and commute times compare between the two cities?
Houston has a higher median home value ($277,800) than Pittsburgh ($205,800), suggesting greater long-term equity potential, while Pittsburgh residents enjoy a shorter average commute (25 minutes) compared to Houston’s 30 minutes.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.