Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 94.7 in Pittsburgh, PA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 14.4% more expensive than Pittsburgh; housing rents differ by 106% (148.4 vs 72.0). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $65,582 buys in Pittsburgh, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Pittsburgh | Boston vs Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 94.7 | +14.4% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 100.7 | -1.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 72.0 | +106.2% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 107.7 | +38.1% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 97.7 | +6.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 92.4 | +16.5% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Pittsburgh | $43,721 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Pittsburgh | $87,443 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Pittsburgh | $131,164 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.