Pittsburgh is the city of bridges, known for its rich history, revolutionizing industry and vibrant culture. It’s home to 302,898 people and doesn’t stop growing.
Fun Fact: Pittsburgh has over 440 bridges. That’s more than any other city in the world!
The city of Pittsburgh is split between 3 halves. It was during the 19th and 20th century when locals built bridges to facilitate transport, trade, and connectivity between different neighborhoods and industrial areas. Once famous for steel, Pittsburgh’s now all about tech, healthcare, and education.
Backed by a strong job market, very good schools and universities it is now attracting more people than ever. With the average Pittsburgh home value being $227,329 and and average early salary of nearly 50k more people are calling Pittsburgh their new home.
And it’s not just about work and affordable homes. You can chill in parks, eat awesome food, and cheer for the Steelers at Heinz Field.
Thinking about moving to Pittsburgh? It’s a great idea to do it now, before it gets too crowded and expensive! If you’re considering Pittsburgh be sure to know everything about living and moving in the city of bridges in 2024.
In this article we will talk about the cost of living, safety, best neighborhoods and everything you need to know to make a smart decision.
Is Pittsburgh a Good City to Live in?
First of all you might be asking: Is Pittsburgh a Good City to Live in?
Most people would associate affordable cities with boring or not so safe cities but that is not the case. Pittsburgh consistently ranks among the world’s most affordable cities to live in, offering a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
With a lower cost of living, the city boasts top-notch amenities, diversity, excellent schools, renowned universities, above-average healthcare access, and increasing job prospects.
Cost Of Living Pittsburgh Is Below National Average
Pittsburgh is one of the most budget-friendly cities in the U.S., offering a lower cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas. Pennsylvania’s flat-rate state income tax also keeps expenses manageable. Below is a quick breakdown of Pittsburgh’s cost of living in key categories:
Housing
- Median Home Price: $208,000 (45% below national average)
- Average Rent: $962/month for a one-bedroom
- Affordable Suburbs: Cheaper rentals available in Allegheny County
- Family-Friendly Neighborhoods: Safe areas perfect for families and first-time homeowners
Example: A home in Pittsburgh costs much less than in cities like Seattle, where the average home price is $755,000.
Utilities
- Monthly Energy Costs: ~$271
- Phone Services: ~$197
Overall Utility Costs: 25% higher than the national average but balanced by savings in other areas
Food
- Grocery and Dining Costs: Close to the national average
- Examples:
- Cappuccino: $5
- McDonald’s Meal: $10
- Dinner for Two (Mid-Range Restaurant): $60
Dining in Pittsburgh is 39% cheaper than New York and 8% cheaper than Philadelphia.
Healthcare
- Doctor Visit: ~$101
- Dentist Visit: ~$111
- Optometrist Visit: ~$109
Why Pittsburgh Stands Out: Top-tier healthcare facilities like UPMC and Allegheny Health Network offer affordable care (8% below the national average).
Transportation
- Public Transit Costs:
- $2.75 for a three-hour pass
- ~$100 for a monthly pass
Free Rides: Light rail is free in downtown Pittsburgh and North Shore areas
Goods & Services
- Affordable Entertainment:
- Sports Tickets (Steelers or Penguins): $50–$100
- Museum Visits (e.g., Andy Warhol Museum): $10–$25
- Movie Ticket: $12
Everyday Costs:
- Haircuts: $23–$40
- Yoga Class: ~$16
How Much Should You Make To Live Comfortably In Pittsburgh?
According to the MIT living wage calculator, the required annual income before taxes for a single adult with no kids living in Pittsburgh is $33,387. For two working adults with three children, that number goes up to $119,219.
These numbers represent a rough estimate of the living costs in Pittsburgh. The actual number is driven by more social-environment factors like the neighborhood you decide to live in, the lifestyle you do as well as other personal choices.
Things To Do in Pittsburgh
Now if you’re wondering where all your money would go in Pittsburgh we would say it would all be food, fun and entertainment as Pittsburgh always has something to do.
Museums, sports stadiums, good food, endless tours, local breweries and endless parks are some of the most common things for locals to do in Pittsburgh.
For People Who Like History | Endless Museums
People from all over visit Pittsburgh to see its amazing museums like the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Museum of Art, and The Frick Art & Historical Center. Families and animal lovers love going to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.
For Sports Fans Only
Did we say sports? Pittsburgh is known as “The City of Champions” for good reason! The Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowl championships, the Penguins have won five Stanley Cup championships, and the University of Pittsburgh football team has won nine national championships. Plus, these teams have had some of the best players ever.
Tons Of Natural Beauty
Even though Pittsburgh is a metro city, it’s got plenty of outdoor fun for nature lovers. Parks like Frick Park, Schenley Park, and Point State Park invite people to hike, bike, and enjoy nature right in the middle of the city. These green spaces offer a peaceful break from city life, letting you enjoy both the excitement of urban living and the calm of nature.
Pittsburgh Has Good Food
Pittsburgh has become a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of flavors that will excite your taste buds. Dive into iconic dishes like the famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches, indulge in delicious pierogis, or explore global cuisine in neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Lawrenceville.
Fun Fact: Pittsburgh has made its mark on some of our favorite foods. It’s where the Klondike bar, Heinz ketchup, and even the legendary Big Mac were born.
Transportation in Pittsburgh
The first question that might come to your mind when you think about moving in Pittsburgh might be: Do you need a car in Pittsburgh?
We’re here to say that the traffic in Pittsburgh can get very stressful but the city offers a very good transportation system including buses, light rail, incline, and paratransit service.
If you’re curious to know what incline transport in Pittsburgh means make sure to check out the local government website. You should book a ride at least once!
Pittsburgh is also one of the most highly ranked cities in the US when it comes to walkability. You can definitely use public transport with ease in Pittsburgh although the majority of people like to drive. A lot of people live in the suburbs outside the city center.
Pittsburgh Has Very Good Schools & Universities
Pittsburgh takes education seriously, with over 93 percent of residents being high school graduates and more than 45 percent holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the most recent U.S. census report.
The city is renowned for its higher education institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, both highly esteemed for their research and development. In the 2024 U.S. News and World Report ranking for top national universities, Carnegie Mellon ranks 24th and the University of Pittsburgh is 67th.
Fun Fact: Computer scientist Scott Fahlman created the smiley emoji we use to date back in 1980 at the University of Carnegie Mellon.
What Are The Best Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh?
We have a full article on the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
Neighborhoods To Avoid In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, like any city, has neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. The Strip District tops the list as the most dangerous neighborhood, with a crime rate 538% higher than the US average. Other neighborhoods to approach with caution include:
- Crawford Roberts: Crime rate 332% higher than the national average, known for frequent assaults, robberies, and property crimes.
- Northview Heights: Crime rate 267% higher than the national average, driven by gang activity, drug trafficking, and high rates of property theft.
- Troy Hill: Crime rate 258% higher than the state average, characterized by a working-class atmosphere with a high median household income.
- Spring Hill-City View: Crime rate 216% higher than the state average, with a focus on property crime and occasional violent incidents.
- Middle Hill: Crime rate 207% higher than the national average, historically a music and cultural hub, now facing concerns over property crime and drug trafficking.
- California-Kirkbride: Crime rate 203% higher than the state average, known for historic architecture but plagued by assault, burglary, car theft, and drug activity.
- East Allegheny: Crime rate 76% higher than the state average, marked by violent crimes like assault and muggings alongside historic buildings.
- Allentown: Crime rate 31% higher than the state average, with ongoing efforts to address property crime and revitalize the neighborhood.
- East Hills: Crime rate higher than the state average, characterized by a working-class atmosphere and a mix of property and violent crime.