For renters on a budget, finding an apartment in Pittsburgh for under $1,200 per month is achievable with the right strategy and expectations. While the city’s most popular neighborhoods command higher rates, several areas offer functional housing at attainable prices. Understanding where to look and what trade offs to expect helps renters make informed decisions.
This guide highlights neighborhoods and strategies for finding affordable apartments in Pittsburgh, focusing on areas where rental rates consistently fall below the citywide median.
Understanding the Pittsburgh Rental Market
As of recent data, the median rent for a one bedroom apartment in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area ranges from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month in popular neighborhoods. Finding units under $1,200 requires looking beyond the most hyped areas and considering factors such as location, building age, and amenities.
What $1,200 Gets You
At this price point, renters can typically expect:
- One bedroom apartments in affordable neighborhoods
- Two bedroom units in the most affordable areas
- Older buildings without luxury amenities
- Limited or no off street parking in some cases
- Functional kitchens and bathrooms without high-end finishes
- Units that may require some flexibility regarding layout and condition
Trade Offs to Consider
Affordability often comes with trade offs. Renters may need to accept:
- A longer commute to downtown or employment centers
- A neighborhood with fewer walkable amenities
- An older building with original features rather than modern renovations
- Limited parking options
- A community in transition rather than an established desirable neighborhood
Affordable City Neighborhoods
Carrick
Carrick, located in the southern part of the city, offers some of the most affordable rental rates within Pittsburgh city limits. This residential neighborhood has a mix of single family homes and small apartment buildings.
Rental rates in Carrick typically range from $700 to $1,000 for one bedroom apartments and $900 to $1,300 for two bedroom units. The neighborhood has a suburban feel with easy access to Route 51 and the Liberty Tunnels. The commute to downtown takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Considerations include limited walkable amenities and a quieter, residential character. Carrick appeals to renters who prioritize affordability and don’t require a vibrant commercial district at their doorstep.
Beechview
Beechview, located just south of the Liberty Tunnels, offers affordable rentals with T light rail access. This neighborhood has a mix of housing types, including apartment buildings and converted homes along Broadway Avenue.
One bedroom apartments in Beechview typically range from $800 to $1,100 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,400. The T provides direct access to downtown with travel times of 10 to 15 minutes. The neighborhood’s commercial corridor along Broadway Avenue offers local shops and dining.
Considerations include challenging parking in some areas and a neighborhood character that is denser than suburbs but less polished than more expensive city neighborhoods.
Brookline
Brookline, adjacent to Beechview, offers a similar value proposition with a well established commercial district along Brookline Boulevard. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and a mix of housing types.
One bedroom apartments in Brookline typically range from $800 to $1,100 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,400. The commute to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes by car, and bus service is available. Brookline Boulevard offers a grocery store, pharmacy, and a variety of dining options within walking distance for many residents.
Considerations include limited transit options compared to neighborhoods with T access and a residential character that appeals to families and long term residents.
West End
The West End, located across the Ohio River from downtown, offers affordable rentals with a very short commute. This neighborhood is one of the closest to downtown while maintaining moderate rental rates.
One bedroom apartments in the West End typically range from $700 to $1,000 per month, while two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,300. The drive to downtown takes 5 to 10 minutes via the West End Bridge. The neighborhood has a small commercial district and easy access to the North Side and the Parkway West.
Considerations include a limited rental inventory and a neighborhood character that is more industrial than residential in some areas.
Sheraden
Sheraden, located west of the West End, offers affordable rentals with convenient access to the Parkway West. This residential neighborhood has a mix of housing types and a quiet character.
One bedroom apartments in Sheraden typically range from $700 to $1,000 per month, while two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,300. The commute to downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes by car. The neighborhood is close to the West End and the Parkway West corridor.
Considerations include limited walkable amenities and a more suburban feel within the city limits.
Affordable Suburban Areas
Crafton
Crafton, located just west of the city, offers affordable rentals with a 10 to 15 minute commute to downtown. This borough has a walkable business district with a grocery store and local businesses.
One bedroom apartments in Crafton typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The borough offers a mix of converted historic homes and smaller apartment buildings. Parking is generally available, and the short commute is a significant advantage.
Considerations include a limited rental inventory and a neighborhood character that is established but less polished than premium suburbs.
Bellevue
Bellevue, located along the Ohio River just northwest of downtown, offers affordable rentals with a 10 to 15 minute commute. This borough has a walkable commercial district along Lincoln Avenue with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options.
One bedroom apartments in Bellevue typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The rental market includes converted homes and smaller apartment buildings. The proximity to the North Side and downtown is a significant advantage.
Considerations include a limited rental inventory and a neighborhood character that balances urban accessibility with suburban space.
Dormont
Dormont, located just south of the Liberty Tunnels, offers affordable rentals with T light rail access to downtown. This borough has a walkable commercial district along West Liberty Avenue with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options.
One bedroom apartments in Dormont typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month, placing some units within the under $1,200 range. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800, with the most affordable units meeting the price target. The T provides 10 to 15 minute access to downtown, eliminating parking costs for commuters.
Considerations include challenging parking in areas close to the T stations and a denser, more urban feel than other suburbs.
Braddock
Braddock, located 10 miles east of downtown, offers some of the lowest rental rates in Allegheny County. This borough is adjacent to The Waterfront shopping complex, providing access to extensive retail within a short drive.
One bedroom apartments in Braddock typically range from $600 to $900 per month, while two bedroom units range from $800 to $1,200. Three bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The commute to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes by car. The borough has a mix of historic housing stock and recent renovations.
Considerations include a neighborhood in transition, variable housing conditions, and the necessity of car ownership.
McKees Rocks and Stowe Township
McKees Rocks and adjacent Stowe Township, located just west of the city, offer affordable rentals with a short commute to downtown. These communities have a mix of housing types and a working class character.
One bedroom apartments in McKees Rocks typically range from $600 to $900 per month, while two bedroom units range from $800 to $1,200. The commute to downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes by car via the McKees Rocks Bridge. The area has a commercial corridor and access to the Ohio River.
Considerations include a more industrial character in some areas and variable housing conditions.
Strategies for Finding Affordable Rentals
Consider Older Buildings
Buildings constructed before the 1950s often offer lower rents than newer properties. While they may lack modern finishes and amenities, they frequently provide larger square footage and character details such as hardwood floors and high ceilings.
Look Beyond Popular Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods like Shadyside, Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, and the Strip District command premium rents. Expanding the search to adjacent areas like Carrick, Beechview, Crafton, and Bellevue can yield significant savings while maintaining reasonable commute times.
Evaluate Trade Offs on Parking
In many affordable neighborhoods, street parking is available without permit fees. Renters who are comfortable with street parking can save the monthly fees associated with garage parking in premium areas.
Consider Roommates
For renters willing to share housing, two bedroom apartments under $2,400 split between two roommates or three bedroom apartments under $3,600 split three ways can bring individual costs well below $1,200. This strategy works particularly well in neighborhoods with larger units like Carrick, Beechview, and Crafton.
Explore Renovated Properties
Some affordable neighborhoods have seen renovation activity in recent years, with older buildings being updated with modern kitchens and bathrooms while maintaining affordable rents. Braddock, in particular, has several renovated properties within this price range.
Comparing Affordable Areas
For renters seeking apartments under $1,200, understanding the trade offs between different areas helps clarify priorities.
Commute
Crafton, Bellevue, the West End, and McKees Rocks offer the shortest commutes, typically 10 to 15 minutes to downtown. Dormont and Beechview offer T transit access with similar travel times. Carrick and Brookline require 15 to 20 minute drives. Braddock requires 15 to 20 minutes via the Parkway East.
Walkability
Dormont, Bellevue, and Brookline offer the most walkable commercial districts, with grocery stores and dining options accessible on foot. Crafton and Carnegie have walkable business districts with basic services. Carrick, Sheraden, and McKees Rocks have more limited walkable amenities.
Transit Access
Dormont and Beechview offer T light rail access to downtown. Crafton, Bellevue, Carrick, and Brookline have bus service. Braddock has bus service along Braddock Avenue. McKees Rocks has bus connections.
Housing Stock
Crafton, Bellevue, Dormont, and Carnegie offer a mix of converted historic homes and smaller apartment buildings with character. Braddock and McKees Rocks offer the lowest rates with variable housing conditions. Carrick and Brookline have a mix of single family homes and small apartment buildings.
Making the Decision
Finding an apartment in Pittsburgh for under $1,200 per month is achievable with a strategic approach. Renters should prioritize their most important factors whether that is commute time, walkability, transit access, or housing character and be flexible on other aspects.
For those who prioritize the shortest commute, Crafton, Bellevue, and the West End offer 10 to 15 minute drives with rents within reach. For renters who value transit access, Dormont and Beechview provide T access to downtown with one bedroom units available under $1,200. For those seeking the lowest possible rents, Braddock and McKees Rocks offer one and two bedroom units well below the target price.
By expanding the search beyond popular neighborhoods, evaluating trade offs realistically, and visiting properties in person to assess condition, renters can find functional housing that meets their budget and lifestyle needs.