For renters who need extra space, whether for a roommate, a home office, or a growing family, two bedroom apartments offer a practical solution. In Pittsburgh, the price difference between a one bedroom and a two bedroom is often modest, making the upgrade to a second bedroom a good value in many neighborhoods. However, prices vary significantly across the city and suburbs, and finding the best value requires knowing where to look.
This guide identifies the best value areas for two bedroom apartments in Pittsburgh and nearby suburbs, comparing rental rates, space, amenities, and trade offs.
Overview of Two Bedroom Rental Prices
Two bedroom apartments in the Pittsburgh region range from under $1,000 in affordable areas to over $3,000 in premium neighborhoods with new construction. The best value is often found not in the cheapest neighborhoods but in areas where the price per square foot is low and the quality of life is high.
Value is a combination of rent, square footage, location, and amenities. A two bedroom apartment for $1,200 in a neighborhood with limited services may offer less value than a $1,500 apartment with walkable amenities and transit access.
Best Value City Neighborhoods
Greenfield
Greenfield offers some of the best value for two bedroom apartments in the city. Located between Squirrel Hill and the South Side, the neighborhood provides easy access to Oakland and downtown without premium rents.
Two bedroom apartments in Greenfield typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes, often with character features such as hardwood floors and high ceilings. Square footage is generous, with many two bedroom units exceeding 900 square feet.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The neighborhood’s residential character is quiet, and the proximity to Schenley Park adds recreational value. The commute to Oakland takes 5 to 10 minutes, and downtown is 10 to 15 minutes away.
Greenfield Value Assessment: High. Renters get generous space, good location, and parking at moderate prices.
Highland Park
Highland Park offers affordable two bedroom apartments near the city’s largest regional park. The neighborhood’s quiet, residential character appeals to renters who want space and green space without premium prices.
Two bedroom apartments in Highland Park typically range from $1,100 to $1,700 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes, often with character features. The Bryant Street business district provides walkable access to a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The namesake park provides over 350 acres of trails, a swimming pool, and athletic fields. The commute to downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Highland Park Value Assessment: High. Renters get space, park access, and parking at moderate prices.
Dormont
Dormont offers two bedroom apartments with T light rail access to downtown, making it a strong value for commuters who want to avoid parking costs.
Two bedroom apartments in Dormont typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The West Liberty Avenue commercial district provides walkable access to a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
Parking can be challenging near the T stations and commercial district. However, renters who use the T for commuting can eliminate downtown parking costs, saving $150 to $300 per month. The T provides a 10 to 15 minute ride to downtown.
Dormont Value Assessment: High for transit commuters. The combination of moderate rent and eliminated parking costs creates strong value.
Carnegie
Carnegie offers affordable two bedroom apartments with a short, tunnel free commute to downtown.
Two bedroom apartments in Carnegie typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The West Main Street business district provides walkable access to a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The drive to downtown via the West End Bridge takes 10 to 15 minutes, avoiding the tunnel congestion that affects other corridors.
Carnegie Value Assessment: High. Renters get affordable space, parking, and a short tunnel free commute.
Crafton
Crafton offers similar value to Carnegie, with affordable two bedroom apartments and a short commute to downtown.
Two bedroom apartments in Crafton typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The business district along Crafton Boulevard provides a grocery store and local businesses.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The drive to downtown via the West End Bridge takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Crafton Value Assessment: High. Affordable space, parking, and a short commute.
Bellevue
Bellevue offers affordable two bedroom apartments along the Ohio River with a short commute to downtown.
Two bedroom apartments in Bellevue typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The Lincoln Avenue business district provides walkable access to a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The drive to downtown via Route 65 and the West End Bridge takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Bellevue Value Assessment: High. Affordable space, walkable amenities, and a short commute.
Swissvale
Swissvale offers two bedroom apartments with East Busway access to downtown, providing a fast transit commute.
Two bedroom apartments in Swissvale typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The borough is adjacent to Edgewood, which provides additional commercial amenities.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The East Busway provides a 10 to 15 minute ride to downtown, eliminating parking costs for commuters.
Swissvale Value Assessment: High for transit commuters. The combination of moderate rent and eliminated parking costs creates strong value.
Braddock
Braddock offers some of the lowest rental rates in the region for two bedroom apartments.
Two bedroom apartments in Braddock typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The borough is adjacent to the Waterfront shopping complex, providing access to extensive retail within a five minute drive.
Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces. The drive to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes via the Rankin Bridge and Parkway East.
Braddock Value Assessment: High for renters who prioritize lowest possible rent. The trade off is a neighborhood in transition.
Best Value Suburbs
Ross Township
Ross Township offers two bedroom apartments in garden style complexes with dedicated parking and amenities.
Two bedroom apartments in Ross Township typically range from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. Units are in complexes with amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers. Square footage is generous, often exceeding 1,000 square feet.
Parking is included. The McKnight Road retail corridor provides extensive shopping within a short drive. The commute to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes via Interstate 279.
Ross Township Value Assessment: High for renters who want suburban amenities, parking, and space at moderate prices.
Bethel Park
Bethel Park offers two bedroom apartments with T light rail access to downtown.
Two bedroom apartments in Bethel Park typically range from $1,400 to $2,100 per month. Units are in garden style complexes with amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers. Parking is included.
The T provides a 25 to 35 minute ride to downtown. South Park, a 2,000 acre county park, is adjacent to the township. The Bethel Park School District has a strong reputation.
Bethel Park Value Assessment: High for families. Renters get space, parking, good schools, and transit access at moderate prices.
Monroeville
Monroeville offers two bedroom apartments near extensive retail and the Parkway East.
Two bedroom apartments in Monroeville typically range from $1,300 to $1,900 per month. Units are in garden style complexes with amenities. Parking is included.
The commute to downtown takes 20 to 30 minutes via the Parkway East. The Monroeville Mall and surrounding retail provide extensive shopping within a short drive.
Monroeville Value Assessment: High for renters who prioritize retail access and suburban amenities.
West Mifflin
West Mifflin offers affordable two bedroom apartments near the Waterfront and South Park.
Two bedroom apartments in West Mifflin typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Units are in garden style complexes and townhome communities. Parking is included.
The commute to downtown takes 15 to 25 minutes via the Parkway East. The Waterfront shopping complex is a 10 minute drive. South Park is adjacent.
West Mifflin Value Assessment: High for renters seeking the lowest suburban rents.
Premium Neighborhoods with Moderate Value
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill offers two bedroom apartments with walkable amenities and park access, but prices are higher than value oriented neighborhoods.
Two bedroom apartments in Squirrel Hill typically range from $1,600 to $2,500 per month. Units are in older converted homes and mid rise buildings. Parking is typically street parking.
The value is in the location: walkable access to a complete commercial district and Frick Park. For renters who prioritize walkability and community character, Squirrel Hill offers good value despite higher rents.
Value Assessment: Moderate. Higher rents are justified by walkable amenities and park access.
Shadyside
Shadyside commands premium rents for two bedroom apartments, with lower value for those primarily seeking space.
Two bedroom apartments in Shadyside typically range from $1,800 to $3,000 per month. Units in luxury buildings are at the higher end; units in older converted homes are more moderate. Parking is often an additional expense.
The value is in the polished urban environment and walkable commercial district. Renters who prioritize these features may find the premium worthwhile.
Value Assessment: Low to moderate. Premium rents for location and character.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville two bedroom apartments have seen significant price increases as the neighborhood has grown in popularity.
Two bedroom apartments in Lawrenceville typically range from $1,800 to $2,800 per month. Units in renovated industrial buildings command the highest rents. Parking is often an additional expense.
The value is in the dining scene and creative character. Renters who prioritize these features may find the premium worthwhile.
Value Assessment: Low to moderate. Premium rents for dining and character.
Price Comparison by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Typical 2 Bedroom Rent | Parking | Transit Access | Walkability | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenfield | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Limited | High |
| Highland Park | $1,100-1,700 | Often included | Limited | Limited | High |
| Dormont | $1,200-1,800 | Street or fee | Excellent (T) | Good | High |
| Carnegie | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good | High |
| Crafton | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good | High |
| Bellevue | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good | High |
| Swissvale | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Excellent (Busway) | Limited | High |
| Braddock | $800-1,200 | Often included | Good | Limited | High |
| Ross Township | $1,400-1,900 | Included | Limited | Limited | High |
| Bethel Park | $1,400-2,100 | Included | Good (T) | Limited | High |
| Monroeville | $1,300-1,900 | Included | Limited | Limited | High |
| West Mifflin | $1,000-1,500 | Included | Limited | Limited | High |
| Squirrel Hill | $1,600-2,500 | Street or fee | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Shadyside | $1,800-3,000 | Add $75-150 | Good | Excellent | Low-Moderate |
| Lawrenceville | $1,800-2,800 | Add $50-150 | Good | Excellent | Low-Moderate |
Tips for Finding Value in Two Bedroom Apartments
Consider Roommates
Two bedroom apartments are often the most cost effective option for roommates. Two renters sharing a $1,500 two bedroom each pay $750, significantly less than a one bedroom for each individual. In value neighborhoods, the savings are even greater.
Look for Converted Homes
Converted homes often offer larger two bedroom units than purpose built apartment buildings. These units typically have character features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, and separate living and dining areas. They may lack modern updates but offer space at moderate prices.
Prioritize Parking
In neighborhoods where parking is included, compare the total monthly outlay. A $1,400 apartment with included parking costs less than a $1,300 apartment with $150 parking. When comparing listings, calculate the total cost including all fees.
Consider Transit Access
For downtown commuters, a two bedroom apartment near the T or East Busway can eliminate parking costs of $150 to $300 per month. A $1,400 apartment with transit access may be a better value than a $1,200 apartment with a $200 monthly parking bill.
Evaluate Walkability
In neighborhoods with walkable commercial districts, renters can reduce car dependency. A two bedroom apartment in Squirrel Hill or Dormont may cost more than one in a residential suburb, but the ability to walk to groceries and services can reduce transportation costs.
Making the Decision
The best value for two bedroom apartments in Pittsburgh is found in neighborhoods such as Greenfield, Highland Park, Dormont, Carnegie, Crafton, Bellevue, and Swissvale. These areas offer moderate rents, parking, and reasonable commutes. For renters seeking the lowest possible rents, Braddock and West Mifflin provide options at the expense of neighborhood polish.
For renters who value suburban amenities and space, Ross Township, Bethel Park, and Monroeville offer garden style complexes with parking and amenities at moderate prices. For those who prioritize walkability and character, Squirrel Hill offers good value despite higher rents.
By defining priorities around rent, space, parking, and location, renters can find a two bedroom apartment that fits their needs and budget. The Pittsburgh region offers value across the price spectrum, making it possible to find the right fit without overspending.