Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
Estimated living costs for Pittsburgh (2026) — housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and more.
- avg 1BR rent
- $1,200avg 1BR rent
- median income
- $65Kmedian income
- cost index
- ~94cost index
Cost figures are estimates based on sample neighborhood data. Verify current prices before making decisions.
Housing Costs by Neighborhood
Estimated monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartments (2026 estimates)
Downtown Pittsburgh
Median Rent (1BR)$1,750
Median Income$75,000
Walk Score95/100
Population5,000
Avg Age32
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 28.0%
Oakland
Median Rent (1BR)$1,400
Median Income$45,000
Walk Score88/100
Population25,000
Avg Age25
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 37.3%
Shadyside
Median Rent (1BR)$2,250
Median Income$85,000
Walk Score88/100
Population15,000
Avg Age40
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 31.8%
Lawrenceville
Median Rent (1BR)$1,600
Median Income$55,000
Walk Score85/100
Population8,000
Avg Age33
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 34.9%
South Side
Median Rent (1BR)$1,400
Median Income$65,000
Walk Score90/100
Population12,000
Avg Age35
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 25.8%
Strip District
Median Rent (1BR)$1,900
Median Income$70,000
Walk Score90/100
Population800
Avg Age38
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 32.6%
Bloomfield
Median Rent (1BR)$900
Median Income$50,000
Walk Score85/100
Population6,000
Avg Age35
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 21.6%
Squirrel Hill
Median Rent (1BR)$1,750
Median Income$70,000
Walk Score90/100
Population18,000
Avg Age38
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 30.0%
Mt. Washington
Median Rent (1BR)$1,250
Median Income$60,000
Walk Score70/100
Population5,000
Avg Age36
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 25.0%
North Shore
Median Rent (1BR)$2,000
Median Income$80,000
Walk Score95/100
Population2,000
Avg Age34
Rent-to-Income Ratio: 30.0%
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Estimated costs for a single professional in Shadyside
Housing & Utilities
Rent (1BR Shadyside)$1,400
Electricity$120
Gas$80
Internet$60
Total$1,660
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass$100
Gas/Car Maintenance$150
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)$80
Total$330
Food & Groceries
Groceries$300
Dining Out (2x/week)$200
Coffee & Snacks$80
Total$580
Entertainment & Misc
Entertainment$150
Phone$50
Insurance$120
Total$320
Monthly Total Budget
$2,890
Estimated for a single professional in Shadyside (excluding income taxes)
58%
Housing & Utilities
20%
Food & Dining
11%
Transportation
11%
Entertainment
Pittsburgh vs National Average
Cost of Living Index (US Average = 100, approximate)
67
Housing
Below national average
96
Utilities
Near national average
101
Groceries
Slightly above average
94
Overall
Below national average
Why Pittsburgh Can Be Affordable
Housing Market
Historic homes and apartments often cost less than in many major metros.
Flat State Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax rate.
Growing Economy
Tech and healthcare sectors offer competitive job opportunities.
Explore More About Living in Pittsburgh
Neighborhood guides, housing options, and local resources.