Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Boston is 132% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$2,093/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 42%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 268%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 73%
$2,176/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 48%
663,972
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $30,618/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Boston or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $30,618/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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