Pittsburgh, PA, US
Steel City transformed into a tech and medical hub with incredibly cheap housing.
Below Average vs US avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Pittsburgh vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.1%
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $50,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 302,971
Climate
- Sunny Days: 162/year
- Summer High: 83°F
- Winter Low: 21°F
Housing
- Median Home: $185,000
- 1BR Rent: $1150/mo
Cost of Living
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 94.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Pittsburgh | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5% |
| Housing | 78.5 | 100 | -21.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1150/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,438/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $123 |
Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Pittsburgh:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating (Gas/Oil) | $359 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $594 | Monthly estimate (including heating) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Pittsburgh
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,380/mo.
Pittsburgh Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,265/mo.
East Pittsburgh
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,035/mo.
West Pittsburgh
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,093/mo.
Remote Work Score
Pittsburgh scores 122/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Good
- Climate: 162 year (Fair)
- Quality of Life: Good
Climate
Pittsburgh has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F | 21°F | 2.5" |
| April | 68°F | 36°F | 2.8" |
| July | 83°F | 58°F | 1.5" |
| October | 63°F | 39°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.07%
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~2.22% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA, US?
The cost of living index in Pittsburgh is 94.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Pittsburgh?
The median home price in Pittsburgh is $185,000. The housing index is 78.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh is approximately $1150/mo.
Does Pittsburgh, PA have income tax?
Pittsburgh is in PA, which has an income tax rate of 3.07%.
What is the climate like in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh enjoys approximately 162 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,83°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.21°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.