Cost of Living in Pittsburgh, PA
Population 303,620 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Pittsburgh stay well under national norms: a median home value of $193,000 against median household incomes of $64,137 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Pennsylvania.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
The median home value in Pittsburgh is $193,200 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,221/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,137/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 49 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 2.57 | 3.22 | 3.40 | 4.08 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.81 | 3.54 | 3.06 | 3.03 | 3.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median gross rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pittsburgh?
The median home value in Pittsburgh is $193,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pittsburgh?
The median household income in Pittsburgh is $64,137 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pittsburgh, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pittsburgh is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Pittsburgh, PA affordable?
Yes, Pittsburgh is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pittsburgh at a Glance
- Population
- 303,620
- Median Income
- $64,137
- Home Value
- $193,200
- Median Rent
- $1,221/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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