Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Pittsburgh is 32% cheaper than Boise.

$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 11%
$64,137/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
$193,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 136%
$1,136/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 18%
303,620
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $17,171/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Boise — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Boise?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Boise?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $17,171/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Idaho?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pittsburgh details → View Boise details →

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