Average Rent in Pittsburgh 2026
Pittsburgh Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,250
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,550
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,950
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Pittsburgh
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Pittsburgh renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,250 | $1,550 | $1,950 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $90 | $115 | $135 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $15 | $18 | $21 |
| Total monthly | $1,425 | $1,753 | $2,176 |
Utility estimates scale with Pittsburgh’s cost of living index (96). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
96
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 96, which is 4% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Pittsburgh at a Glance
Population
303K
Median Income
$52,645
COL Index
96
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Pittsburgh?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Pittsburgh by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,250/mo | $50,000 | $24.04/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,550/mo | $62,000 | $29.81/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,950/mo | $78,000 | $37.5/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Pittsburgh at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Pittsburgh apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $775 in Pittsburgh — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Pittsburgh
Save $475/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,250
per month
Split 2BR
$775
per person/month
Annual Savings
$5,700
per year
Instead of paying $1,250 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,550) with one roommate brings your share to $775. That is $5,700 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Pittsburgh
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,250–$2,500
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,250
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,250
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Pittsburgh: $2,550–$5,000 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Pittsburgh Compares to Other US Cities
Pittsburgh sits near the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Pittsburgh
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Pittsburgh Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Pittsburgh rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pittsburgh
Is Pittsburgh expensive to rent in?
Pittsburgh remains affordable compared to East Coast peers. A 1-bedroom averages $1,250 per month in 2026. Shadyside and Lawrenceville are popular and pricier, while South Side and Bloomfield provide good value near downtown.
How much income do you need to rent in Pittsburgh?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,167 per month ($50,000 annually) to afford an average $1,250/month 1-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Pittsburgh?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,550/month) with one roommate brings your share to $775, saving $475 per month or $5,700 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Pittsburgh?
Renters in Pittsburgh typically pay about $90 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $15 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $175 on top of your $1,250 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Pittsburgh?
Most Pittsburgh landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,250 for a 1-bedroom at the Pittsburgh average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($2,500), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Pittsburgh affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,645, which comes out to about $4,387 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,250, that's roughly 28% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Pittsburgh?