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Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

Is it better to rent or buy in Pittsburgh? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$83,511
$1,129/mo

Median in area: $1,129

$237,288

Median in area: $237,288

$47,458

If you Rent

🔑
$1,354 /mo
Base Rent$1,129
Est. Utilities$225
% of Income19.5%
Pre-tax Residual$5,605

If you Buy

🏠
$1,757 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,200
Taxes & Ins$332
Est. Utilities$225
% of Income25.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,202

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Pittsburgh?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Pittsburgh. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,354, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,757 per month (a difference of $403).

How much do utilities cost in Pittsburgh?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Pittsburgh is approximately $225. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Pittsburgh?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Pittsburgh without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $54,160 per year.