Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 40.3% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $3020 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $113,758.389 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 63.1% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Boston, MA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $3020 per month, or $36242 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.8K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,020

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:60

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Boston, MA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $3,326less	63.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $615less	33.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $218less	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$527/mo	↓ $217less	29.2%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$607/mo	↓ $109less	15.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$989/mo	↓ $89.93less	8.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.1%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$3,326

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.6%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$615

less

📦Other

↓ 11.9%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$218

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 29.2%

Boston, MA

$743

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$217

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.3%

Boston, MA

$716

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$109

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.3%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$89.93

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Boston, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$750

↓ $2,345

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$850

↓ $2,405

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,050

↓ $2,815

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,400

↓ $3,230

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$4,575

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Pittsburgh

$961K

Median Value

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$241

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.