Average Rent in Pittsburgh 2026
The average rent in Pittsburgh, PA is $1,250 for a 1-bedroom, $1,550 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,950 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is 4% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $50,000.
Pittsburgh Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,250
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,550
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,950
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,250/mo rent
$50,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,550/mo rent
$62,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,950/mo rent
$78,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Pittsburgh?