Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA Renter’s Guide

Pittsburgh renters are paying a median rent of $1,371 as of June 2025. That’s up 1.5% from last month and 2.9% year-over-year. Prices are climbing faster than average, but still sit just below the national median.

The city offers a mix of quiet neighborhoods and urban convenience—without the big-city cost. Not sure where to start? Take our apartment quiz to get matched with rentals that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Renter Satisfaction in Pittsburgh, PA

Apartment List’s latest Renter Satisfaction Survey includes feedback from over 45,000 renters nationwide. Overall, the city earned a B+ for renter satisfaction, with strong marks in affordability, public transit, and commute time.

Not every category stood out, but Pittsburgh still outperformed several nearby metros and held its own against larger cities across the country.

Key findings in Pittsburgh, PA include:

• Renters gave the city a B+ for overall satisfaction.
• Commute time (A+), affordability (A), and public transit (A) led the list of positives.
• Weather earned a D, while school quality came in at a C.
• Millennial renters gave the city above-average marks.
• Pittsburgh outranked Philadelphia (C+) and Allentown (B-).
• It landed on par with major cities like Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco (all B+).

Pittsburgh, PA Renter Reviews

• "I love how pretty my city is and how much there is to do. The people are friendly. But I dislike the traffic." – Chelsey W.
• "I love that there are so many job opportunities. But I hate that a lot of places for rent aren’t very pet-friendly. It’s a pain to find a place that will accept my dogs." – Anon.
• "I love the direction my city is taking by bringing downtown back to life. But it’s missing great shopping, which would attract even better restaurants and nightlife." – Ieshia H.
• "There is something to do at any time of day so it’s easy to have fun or find an interesting hobby. Ethnic diversity could be improved, though." – Jarrod B.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rents dropping in Pittsburgh?

Not right now. As of June 2025, the median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,371. Prices rose 1.5% last month and are up 2.9% year-over-year—outpacing both state and national trends.

Is Pittsburgh affordable?

Yes—affordability is one of Pittsburgh’s strongest selling points. Renters gave the city an A for affordability in our latest Renter Satisfaction Survey. The median rent is $1,371, which is 1.9% lower than the national average.

For even lower prices, look just outside the city. Suburbs like Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, and Brentwood typically offer rents below the city median. Meanwhile, trendier neighborhoods like Shadyside and the Strip District tend to come with higher price tags.

What is the cheapest area in Pittsburgh to live in?

Neighborhoods like Carrick, Beechview, and Brookline tend to offer more budget-friendly rental options, with lower-than-average prices compared to trendier parts of the city.

What is the best area in Pittsburgh to live in?

Some of the most popular neighborhoods for renters include Squirrel Hill and Lawrenceville—areas known for walkability, dining, and access to public transit.

What are traffic and public transit like in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh earned high marks for both commute time (A+) and public transit (A). The city’s Port Authority runs buses, light rail (the T), and inclines. Average commute times are short, and many neighborhoods are bike- and walk-friendly. Traffic tends to peak between 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. on weekdays.

Is it cheaper to rent or own in Pittsburgh?

Homeowners in Pittsburgh pay about $1,437 per month on average. With the median rent at $1,371, renting edges out as the more affordable choice for many.

What’s the best time to find an apartment in Pittsburgh?

Rent growth has been strongest in spring and early summer. May alone saw a 1.5% price jump. If you're looking to save, winter months like December and January tend to offer lower prices and less competition.