Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
Everything you need to know about living costs in Pittsburgh (2026). From housing to healthcare, salaries to entertainment.
$1,200
Avg 1BR Rent
$65K
Median Income
$250K
Median Home
94
Cost Index
Housing Costs by Neighborhood
Average monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartments (2026 data)
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
Average 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
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)
67
Housing
33% below national average
96
Utilities
4% below national average
101
Groceries
1% above national average
94
Overall
6% below national average
Why Pittsburgh is Affordable
Housing Market
Historic homes and apartments keep prices reasonable compared to other major cities
Flat State Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax rate, one of the lowest flat rates in the country
Growing Economy
Tech and healthcare sectors provide good job opportunities with competitive salaries
Explore More About Living in Pittsburgh
Get detailed information about neighborhoods, housing options, and local resources.