True Cost of Renting in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh has transformed from steel-to-tech in two decades, now anchored by Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC (one of the largest health systems in the US), and a growing technology sector (Google, Uber Advanced Technologies, Amazon). Rents remain extremely affordable by Northeast standards, though the Pittsburgh Wage Tax of 3% for residents and Duquesne Light electric rates are cost factors.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Shadyside

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$2,000/mo

Upscale walkable neighborhood with boutique retail on Walnut Street and Ellsworth Ave; Duquesne Light electric. Mix of apartment buildings and converted Victorian homes. 71C bus and East Busway access to Downtown. Proximity to CMU and Pitt. Strong dining scene.

East Liberty / Garfield

Studio:
$1,000/mo
1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,800/mo

Revitalized East End neighborhoods; Google Pittsburgh is anchored at Bakery Square. Penn Avenue arts corridor in Garfield. Affordable with improving amenities. East Busway to Downtown in 15 minutes. Good access to CMU and Pitt employment.

Lawrenceville

Studio:
$1,000/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$1,900/mo

Pittsburgh's most gentrified neighborhood along Butler Street; mix of artists, young professionals, and longtime residents. Excellent restaurants and bar scene. 54C bus to Downtown. Allegheny River access. More new construction than Shadyside. Duquesne Light electric.

Utility Providers

Electric
Duquesne Light Company
Water
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Consolidated Communications

Commute & Transportation

Pittsburgh's Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) operates extensive bus routes and the light rail T system connecting Downtown to the South Hills. The Busway network (East, West, Martin Luther King Jr.) provides express bus service. Pittsburgh's street grid is notoriously complex due to its three rivers and steep hills. Major employers: UPMC (68,000+ employees), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, PNC Financial Services, Highmark Health, and the growing tech sector in the East End (Google, Uber, Bosch).

Rental Market Overview

Pittsburgh offers the best value among major Northeast tech-adjacent cities. Carnegie Mellon University's computer science program creates a pipeline of tech talent that companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Uber have followed. Duquesne Light rates are moderate. The Pittsburgh Wage Tax of 3% for residents is a consideration. UPMC as the dominant employer creates a rent floor across the East End and Oakland. Renters insurance averages $13–18/month. Pittsburgh's geography (three rivers, steep hills) means car ownership is helpful for many neighborhoods, though the East End tech corridor is bus-accessible.

Data last updated: 2026-04

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Renting in Pittsburgh: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Pittsburgh?
One-bedroom apartments in Pittsburgh range from $1,300/month in East Liberty / Garfield to $1,400/month in Lawrenceville. Two-bedroom units range from $1,800 to $1,900/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Pittsburgh?
In Pittsburgh, electricity is provided by Duquesne Light Company, water by Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Consolidated Communications. Ask the leasing office for the specific unit's average monthly bill rather than a city-wide figure — utility costs vary more by building age and insulation than by location within Pittsburgh.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Pittsburgh?
East Liberty / Garfield is the most affordable of the 3 Pittsburgh neighborhoods covered here, at $1,300/month for a one-bedroom — $100 less than Lawrenceville, roughly a 7% gap. That swing is often bigger than any fee or amenity difference between two buildings in the same neighborhood, which is why comparing across neighborhoods matters as much as comparing within one.
Is Pittsburgh expensive to rent in?
Across the 3 neighborhoods covered here, the average one-bedroom in Pittsburgh runs about $1,367/month before fees, utilities, and amenities are added — and those add-ons are exactly what a bare average hides. Pittsburgh offers the best value among major Northeast tech-adjacent cities. Run the specific units you are considering through RentCompare to see the true all-in monthly cost rather than relying on an area average.

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