Home › Compare › Boise, ID vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Pittsburgh, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.7% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
25.4% 25.4% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.4% cheaper
Boise
118
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Boise
98
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 6.1% more
Boise
98
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Boise
96
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Boise
88
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boise, ID Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index104967.7% less
Housing1188825.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,2007.7% less
Median Home Price$430,000$225,00047.7% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation981046.1% more
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boise, ID Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax5.80%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.58%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Pittsburgh to maintain your Boise lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boise (104) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boise3.0%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boise3.8%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boise21 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Boise39
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Boise44
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Boise52°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Boise235,684
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Boise to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boise and Pittsburgh → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Pittsburgh →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boise or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Pittsburgh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boise vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Boise and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boise or Pittsburgh?+
Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Boise to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Boise is $72,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Boise vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Boise is $430,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Idaho averages 0.58% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.