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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

28.9% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
48.8% 48.8% cheaper housing
9.1% 9.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.8% cheaper
Boston
172
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 9.1% cheaper
Boston
110
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 14.8% cheaper
Boston
115
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 7.1% cheaper
Boston
112
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1359628.9% less
Housing1728848.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,20053.8% less
Median Home Price$700,000$225,00067.9% less
Groceries1101009.1% less
Transportation11810411.9% less
Healthcare1159814.8% less
Utilities1121047.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax9.00% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Boston675,647
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 48.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $1,400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Pittsburgh?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $475,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.