Cost of living in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, located in Pennsylvania, is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Pittsburgh, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $45 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $11.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7, imported beer $4 to $9, cappuccino $3.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.26.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.8 to $8, averaging $3.55.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.65 to $9.52 per kg, while oranges range from $3.09 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.49 to $3.2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.75 and $3.5, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.91 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.2 to $3.11 per km and $21 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $2500, averaging $1790.83.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1700, averaging $1143.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $3600, averaging $2972.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2600, averaging $1927.78.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1824 to $4305.56, averaging $2651.19.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1658 to $3229.17, averaging $2181.72.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $177.73 and $392.31, averaging $228.15.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $68.69.
Cost of Living Rankings
Pittsburgh ranks 21st on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Pittsburgh offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with reasonable prices in dining and transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are moderate, but some items like cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, providing good value for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pittsburgh presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families alike.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the overall expenses remain manageable, especially with careful budgeting.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle needs and preferences when evaluating Pittsburgh as a place to live.