Boise vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 14% cheaper than Boise overall.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Boise and Pittsburgh presents a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Pittsburgh is noticeably more affordable across the board, primarily driven by its much lower housing expenses. While some categories like food and healthcare are roughly similar, the significant gap in housing costs makes Pittsburgh a much more budget-friendly option for most households. Boise's overall expenses are slightly above the national average, whereas Pittsburgh's are well below.
Housing
Housing is where the most significant cost difference lies. Both buying and renting are considerably more expensive in Boise than in Pittsburgh. Median home prices in Boise are substantially higher, and monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment also show a large disparity. Pittsburgh offers a more historic and varied housing stock, often at a much lower price point, making homeownership and renting more accessible compared to Boise's higher market.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, but Pittsburgh generally offers more savings. While food and healthcare costs are quite similar between the two metros, Boise has lower transportation and utility costs. However, Pittsburgh has a state income tax, which can impact take-home pay, unlike Boise where that particular tax burden is not a factor. Commute times are also shorter in Boise, potentially saving time and transportation costs.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are notable. Boise offers a drier, high-desert climate with distinct seasons and easy access to outdoor activities, often with a more spread-out feel. Pittsburgh, in contrast, features a more humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, known for its hilly terrain, rivers, and a denser, more urban character with extensive public transit options. Pittsburgh's average commute is also longer than Boise's.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, the financial implications are clear: Pittsburgh offers a considerably lower cost of living, primarily due to its much more affordable housing market. While Boise provides savings in some everyday categories like utilities and transportation, and boasts shorter commutes, the overall budget impact of housing in Pittsburgh is a major advantage. The presence of a state income tax in Pittsburgh is a factor to consider against its lower housing costs.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 110 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 98 |
| Food index | 95 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 102 |
| Misc index | 90 | 88 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.