North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
The average cost of living in Pittsburgh, United States is $1,849 per month for a single person, and $4,000 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,603 per month. The local average net salary is $4,275 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 42 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,849 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,000 / mo
- Student
- $1,098 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Pittsburgh
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,275.1 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Pittsburgh | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Pittsburgh | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Pittsburgh | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Pittsburgh | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Pittsburgh | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Pittsburgh | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Pittsburgh | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Pittsburgh | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Pittsburgh | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Pittsburgh | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Pittsburgh FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Pittsburgh. |
Rent & Property Prices in Pittsburgh
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,603 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,126 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,481 | $2,000 – $3,410 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,754 | $1,600 – $1,900 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $2,880 | $1,978 – $2,980 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,885 | $1,798 – $1,970 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,603$1,200 – $1,800
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,126$1,000 – $1,300
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,481$2,000 – $3,410
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,754$1,600 – $1,900
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $2,880$1,978 – $2,980
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,885$1,798 – $1,970
Grocery Prices in Pittsburgh
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.23 | $1.04 – $1.43 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.73 | $1.65 – $5.51 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.13 | $3.95 – $7.05 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.90 | $2.72 – $7.99 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $13 – $20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $13 | $7.94 – $16 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $18 | $15 – $21 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $5.21 | $2.47 – $6.61 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.46 | $1.10 – $2.20 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.08 | $2.76 – $5.51 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.64 | $4.39 – $6.59 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.43 | $0.99 – $3.03 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.53 | $1.20 – $3.19 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.34 | $1.69 – $2.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.04 | $0.75 – $2.99 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $13 | $12 – $16 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.11 | $1.95 – $2.86 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.95 | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $11 | $10 – $12 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.23$1.04 – $1.43
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.73$1.65 – $5.51
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.13$3.95 – $7.05
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.90$2.72 – $7.99
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$13 – $20
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $13$7.94 – $16
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $18$15 – $21
- Apples (1 kg) $5.21$2.47 – $6.61
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.46$1.10 – $2.20
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.08$2.76 – $5.51
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.64$4.39 – $6.59
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.43$0.99 – $3.03
- Onions (1 kg) $2.53$1.20 – $3.19
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.34$1.69 – $2.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.04$0.75 – $2.99
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $13$12 – $16
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.11$1.95 – $2.86
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.95$3.00 – $8.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $11$10 – $12
Public Transport & Car Costs in Pittsburgh
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.75 | $2.75 – $2.75 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $98 | $98 – $100 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $4.00 | $4.00 – $4.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.55 | $1.55 – $1.55 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $21 | $21 – $21 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.88 | $0.83 – $1.19 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,446 | $32,000 – $37,260 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,760 | $25,368 – $25,866 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.75$2.75 – $2.75
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $98$98 – $100
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $4.00$4.00 – $4.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.55$1.55 – $1.55
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $21$21 – $21
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.88$0.83 – $1.19
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,446$32,000 – $37,260
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,760$25,368 – $25,866
Utility & Internet Costs in Pittsburgh
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $248 | $219 – $300 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $51 | $20 – $75 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $67 | $50 – $110 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $248$219 – $300
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $51$20 – $75
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $67$50 – $110
Childcare & Preschool in Pittsburgh
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,778 | $1,633 – $2,033 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $34,752 | $28,600 – $40,900 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,778$1,633 – $2,033
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $34,752$28,600 – $40,900
Clothing Prices in Pittsburgh
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $46 | $30 – $70 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $47 | $35 – $55 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $73 | $55 – $110 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $102 | $75 – $118 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $46$30 – $70
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $47$35 – $55
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $73$55 – $110
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $102$75 – $118
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Pittsburgh
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $45 | $26 – $80 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $29 | $15 – $38 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $12 – $18 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $45$26 – $80
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $29$15 – $38
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$12 – $18
Restaurant Prices in Pittsburgh
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $20 | $12 – $25 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $66 | $50 – $120 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $10 – $13 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.00 | $3.50 – $7.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $8.00 | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.06 | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.79 | $2.00 – $3.75 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.20 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $20$12 – $25
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $66$50 – $120
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$10 – $13
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.00$3.50 – $7.50
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $8.00$5.00 – $9.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.06$4.00 – $6.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.79$2.00 – $3.75
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.20$2.00 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Pittsburgh
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,275 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.08% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,275
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.08%
Compare Pittsburgh with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Omaha
Monthly / 1 person
$1,834
vs NYC
41.7/100
United States
Milwaukee
Monthly / 1 person
$1,833
vs NYC
41.7/100
United States
Columbus
Monthly / 1 person
$1,821
vs NYC
41.4/100
United States
Greenville
Monthly / 1 person
$1,820
vs NYC
41.4/100
United States
Baltimore
Monthly / 1 person
$1,812
vs NYC
41.2/100
United States
Minneapolis
Monthly / 1 person
$1,889
vs NYC
42.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Pittsburgh?
- An estimated $1,849 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Pittsburgh. A family of four needs around $4,000 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,098.
- How much money do I need to live in Pittsburgh?
- Plan for at least $1,849 per month as a single person, $4,000 per month for a family of four, or $1,098 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Pittsburgh.
- What is the average rent in Pittsburgh?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh rents for around $1,603 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,481 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Pittsburgh?
- The average monthly net salary in Pittsburgh is around $4,275. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 37% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Pittsburgh?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Pittsburgh costs around $20. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $99 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.23/L) and bread ($3.73/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Pittsburgh?
- A monthly public transport pass in Pittsburgh costs around $98. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Pittsburgh?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Pittsburgh costs around $67 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.