Pittsburgh cost of living is 2% lower than the national average! Pittsburgh as the second largest city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, is considered to be one of the more affordable cities where is much easier to enjoy a relaxed and high-quality life. It was once known for its steel industry and has been transformed into a centre for technology, healthcare and education. Surrounded by three rivers, the city not only has a rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, but also attracts new immigrants, students and young families with a lower cost of living than the national average. This article will show you the latest statistics on the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA, on housing, utilities, education, food, healthcare, transportation and entertainment, and comprehensively analyze and discuss its livability.
What Is the Cost of Living in Pittsburgh?
According to the latest data, a single person’s monthly cost of living in Pittsburgh is around $1,271 without rent. If you are a student and plan to have a common and normal living experience in Pittsburgh, aside from tuition fees, you need to prepare at least $2,180 for monthly living expenses. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs reach around $4,364. The housing rental prices in Pittsburgh are over 13.6% lower than the national average. Also, the cost of food is 2% lower, and healthcare and entertainment are 4.5% and 6% less expensive than the United States average. Meanwhile, the utilities and transport fees are 21% and 11.1% higher compared to the USA average. When it comes to big-ticket expenses like housing rent and food expenses, Pittsburgh’s statistics are very attractive, making it an ideal place for people looking for an affordable city in the United States. Below is a quick Pittsburgh cost snapshot for your reference.
| Pittsburgh Cost of Living | |
|---|---|
| Category | Average Cost |
| Housing | $1,438/month |
| Utilities | $253 – $443/month |
| Education | $21,594 – $69,702/academic year |
| Food | $683/month |
| Transportation | $97.50 – $470/month |
| Healthcare | $142/month |
| Entertainment | $300 – $940/month |
Pittsburgh Cost of Living: Housing
Housing rental is a core cost of living expense, and Pittsburgh is particularly strong in this area. The average rent for an apartment in Pittsburgh is around $1,438 per month, which is over 14% lower than the national average. However, depending on the area and apartment conditions, rents can also fluctuate. For example, you can spend around $1,126.2 to rent a one-bedroom apartment monthly in Pitt’s quiet suburbs, while in the city center, a one-bedroom flat will cost nearly $1,570. Here is an overview of average monthly housing rentals of different room types in Pittsburgh, PA:
| Housing Rentals in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Room Types | Average Monthly Rental |
| A Studio in Downtown Pittsburgh | $1,529 |
| A Studio Outside of Center | $700 – $1,100 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Pittsburgh | $1,570 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of Center | $1,126.20 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Pittsburgh | $2,376 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment Outside of Center | $1,150 – $1,450 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Pittsburgh | $2,481.25 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside of Center | $1,753.83 |
For those who come to Pittsburgh for study, finding affordable student housing in Pittsburgh can help save lots of living expenses. uhomes.com, a popular global student apartments service platform with over 10-year experience, provides students with cheap, cozy, and safe apartment options also in Pittsburgh close to university campuses and city center, starting from $650 per month.
Pittsburgh Living Cost on Utilities
The cost of utilities in Pittsburgh is, on average, 21% higher than the U.S. average, which is around $443 per month, including electricity, water, gas, and telephone bills. The average water fee in Pittsburgh PA is about $115 per month, while the average electric bill in Pittsburgh reaches around $146 monthly. The phone bill comes to $202.87. Although the utilities cost seems much higher, the entertainment cost can balance it.
| Utilities Cost in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Item | Average Monthly Cost |
| Energy | $294.24 |
| Phone Plan | $202.87 |
| Internet | $70 |
| TV | $75-$149 |
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh, PA: Education
Pittsburgh boasts many top universiies and colleges, such as Carnegie Mellon University, and The University fo Pittsburgh. When exploring the truth of cost of living in Pittsburgh, especially for students, the tuition fee is also a non-negligible expense. However, the tuition fees are different regarding from diverse universities and colleges, as well as majors. For your consideration, we list the fees of entering some famous universities and colleges in Pittsburgh as follows:
| Tuition Fees in the Universities in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| University | Tuition Fee (per academic year) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $69,702 |
| The University of Pittsburgh | $21,594-$38,176 (in-state) $43,328-$55,070 (out-of-state) |
| Duquesne University | $53,238-$61,152 |
Pittsburgh Budget on Food & Drinks
Pittsburgh city budget on food and drinks are nearly the same as the national average. Whether buying fruits, vegetables, drinks or eating out, Pittsburgh residents can enjoy the affordable prices than those in other big cities in the US. According to the latest statistics on Numbeo, 1 liter of milk only costs $1.28, and 1kg beef round is $19.97. Also, eating a McMeal at McDonalds will only take you around $12, while one meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $25, and $120 in a mid-range restaurant.
| Food Prices in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Food | Cost |
| Bread (500g) | $3.77 |
| Milk (1 liter) | $1.23 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.80 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $4.96 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $14.48 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $12.67 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | $17.64 |
| Apples (1kg) | $5.20 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.48 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $4.08 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.64 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.43 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.54 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.34 |
| Drink Prices in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Cost |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.04 |
| Mid-Range Wine | $13.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $2.11 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | $3.95 |
Pittsburgh Cost of Living on Healthcare
Pittsburgh is considered the best city for healthcare in the United States, and fortunately, the cost of healthcare in Pittsburgh is still 4.5% lower than the national average. The average cost of a doctor visit is around $122.40, and for a dentist visit, it will cost about $111.77.
| Cost of Healthcare Services in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Types | Average Cost |
| Doctor Visit | $122.40 |
| Dentist Visit | $111.77 |
| Optometrist Visit | $119.76 |
| Prescription Drug | $28.66 |
| Ibuprofen | $11.75 |
Pittsburgh cost of living for health insurance is around $742 per month on average, and if you qualify for discounts based on your income, you can also spend an average of $251 per month. Meanwhile, the healthcare insurance premiums vary significantly according to the type of plan and coverage. For example, there are various price levels, like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The lower price level means a cheaper premium, but higher out-of-pocket expenses. The medical cost coverage ratio from Bronze, Silver, Gold, to Platinum is 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%, separately.
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania: Transportation
Pittsburgh boasts a well-developed transportation system, making residents commute and travel in and out of the city a breeze. Pittsburgh cost of living for transportation is 11.1% higher than the U.S. average, which is mainly due to also considering the tire balance fee and gasoline fees. Gasoline costs around $3.37 per gallon, which is 12% higher than the national average. The tire balance price in Pittsburgh is $71.28, while the national average is $66.08 However, if you use public transportation more frequently than a private car, the cost of transport will not make up a large share of overall living expenses in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh public transit (Pittsburgh Regional Transit, abbreviated ‘PRT’) fare is $2.75 for a single ride with unlimited transfers within 3 hours. You can pay in cash or use the ConnectCard instead. There are also monthly passes for PRT at the price of $97.50. Passengers who buy the monthly ticket can take unlimited rides within Pittsburgh city and suburbs.
Light rail between Downtown and North Shore is free. Taxis are also a popular mode of transportation in Pittsburgh, with $4.00 as the starting price and about $1.55/km. Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown by taxi costs about $40-$50 for a one-way fare.
For University of Pittsburgh students and faculties, with a valid Panther Card, taking PRT buses and light rails within Allegheny County is free of charge.
Living Cost in Pittsburgh PA: Entertainment
Shopping and entertainment in Pittsburgh are the wise decision, which not only because there are a plethora of things to do in Pittsburgh, but also due to the less expensive cost on goods and services in the city. The Pittsburgh cost of living for entertainment is nearly 6% lower than the national average.
Shopping for a summer dress takes around $47.41, and for a pair of sports shoes, $73.33 is enough. If you prefer the yoga, luckily for you to only need to spend $18.11 for the yoga session. A normal haircut costs $28.71, and a movie costs $11.69. A trip for an adult to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is $25, and there is an annual membership for you to save more money.
| Cost of Entertainment in Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|
| Item | Average Cost |
| Movie | $11.69 |
| Yoga | $18.11 |
| Haircut | $28.71 |
| Beauty Salon | $49.22 |
| Summer Dress | $47.41 |
| Jeans (1 pair) | $46.06 |
| Running Shoes (1 pair) | $73.33 |
| Leather Business Shoes (1 pair) | $102.42 |
Conclusion on Pittsburgh Cost of Living
In a nutshell, the latest statistics on Pittsburgh cost of living reveal the truth of the city’s high-quality and affordable living environment. Low housing costs, reasonable grocery and health care costs, and abundant educational and cultural resources make it a great city to live and work in. Whether you are a student for further study, a young professional pursuing career development, or the middle class paying attention to the quality of family life, you can find a balance in Pittsburgh.
FAQs on Pittsburgh Cost of Living
Is Pittsburgh expensive to live in?
No, Pittsburgh is an affordable city to live in. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is 2% lower than the national average, and its living cost on renting an apartment is much lower than many other majoy cities in the U.S., making it an attractive and budget-friendly options for people.
How much does it cost to live in Pittrburgh per month?
A single person spend around $2,700 per month in Pittsburgh, including rent. Living expenses are about $1,271 per month without rent, while the average apartment rent in Pittsburgh is around $1,438 per month. Your actual Pittsburgh cost of living will depend on your housing choice and lifestyle.
What is the average rent in Pittsburgh?
The average rent in Pittsburgh is about $1,438 per month. Studio apartments average around $1,263, while two-bedroom apartments cost about $1,701 per month. Rent also varies by neighborhood and distance from Downtown Pittsburgh.
How much does it cost for students to live in Pittsburgh?
Students in Pittsburgh should budget around $2,300 per month during the academic year, excluding tuition. The University of Pittsburgh estimates about $20,654 for two terms of housing, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses. Students sharing an apartment or choosing cheaper student housing in Pittsburgh may spend less.
Is Pittsburgh cheaper than Philadelphia?
Yes. Philadelphia’s overall cost of living is about 9.1% higher than Pittsburgh’s. Apartment rent in Philadelphia is also about 23% higher on average. The average apartment rent is about $1,446 per month in Pittsburgh, compared with about $1,780 per month in Philadelphia. However, some expenses such as utilities and transportation can be lower in Philadelphia.
What is the comparison of the cost of living in Pittsburgh vs Princeton, NJ?
In general, the living cost in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 37.9% less expensive than Princeton, New Jersey. Renting an apartment in Pittsburgh costs around $1,438 per month. However, it costs $2,726 in Princeton, NJ. Pittsburgh’s budget for food, utilities, and healthcare is also 12.3%, 10.3%, and 8.9% lower than that in Princeton.
What is the comparison of Pittsburgh cost of living vs San Diego?
Compared to San Diego, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is significantly lower. The median rent in Pittsburgh, PA, for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,701, while it reaches $3,072 for a 2B in San Diego, CA. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh cost of living on transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment are 24.4%, 12.8%, 7.2%, and 17.4% lower than those in San Diego, separately.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pittsburgh, PA?
For a single person, you will need around $46,280 annually to live a comfortable life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For a family of four with 2 adults both working, the total annual income needs to be $113,776/year combined.
