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

Compare Apartments in Pittsburgh

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

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. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Pittsburgh?
East Liberty / Garfield is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300/month. 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. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Pittsburgh expensive to rent in?
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. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Pittsburgh — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

Explore Other Pennsylvania Cities

AllentownErieHarrisburgLancasterPhiladelphiaReadingScranton