Average Rent in Pittsburgh, PA↑ Rents rising 10.2% YoY

Pittsburgh, PA has rental prices ranging from $998/month to $1,759/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,068/month — 24% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,942/year, spending $1,068/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Pittsburgh Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,280/month, Pittsburgh ranks #10 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Pittsburgh Rental Market

The Pittsburgh, PA area has a population of about 2,443,921 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Pittsburgh, PA have risen by $119/month (10.2%) over the past year, from $1,161 to $1,280. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,720. The local median household income of $73,942 exceeds that threshold by $31,222, making Pittsburgh relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Pittsburgh, PA is $242,954, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Homewood North ($57,099 median home value), East Hills ($65,066 median home value), Beltzhoover ($66,299 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Pittsburgh, PA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Pittsburgh?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Pittsburgh

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.