For renters searching for an apartment in the Pittsburgh region, understanding current rental prices across different neighborhoods is essential. The market varies significantly from one area to the next, with a one bedroom apartment ranging from under $800 in more affordable communities to over $2,500 in premium locations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of rent prices across Pittsburgh neighborhoods and nearby townships, helping renters identify areas that fit their budget and lifestyle.
Overview of the 2026 Pittsburgh Rental Market
The Pittsburgh rental market has seen moderate changes over the past year. Demand remains strong in popular neighborhoods such as Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and the Strip District, while more affordable areas continue to offer value for budget conscious renters. Suburbs with light rail or express bus access have maintained their appeal for downtown commuters.
As of 2026, the median rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city of Pittsburgh is approximately $1,550 per month. Two bedroom units average around $1,980 per month. However, these citywide averages mask significant variation between neighborhoods.
Premium City Neighborhoods
Downtown
Downtown Pittsburgh commands the highest rental rates in the region. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $2,500 to $3,500 or more. Units are in high rise buildings with concierge services, fitness centers, roof terraces, and often pools. Parking adds $150 to $200 per month.
The location provides walking access to offices, cultural institutions, restaurants, and entertainment. For renters who work downtown, the convenience may justify the premium.
Strip District
The Strip District has become a luxury residential destination with new development. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,700 to $2,300 per month. Two bedroom units range from $2,200 to $3,000. Units feature high end finishes, floor to ceiling windows, and amenities such as fitness centers and roof terraces. Parking adds $100 to $200 per month.
The neighborhood offers walking access to downtown, the terminal market, and the riverfront trail. The dining and specialty food scene is unique to Pittsburgh.
North Shore
The North Shore offers newer construction with river and skyline views. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $2,000 to $2,800. Units feature modern finishes and amenities. Parking adds $100 to $200 per month.
The location provides a short walk to downtown across the Andy Warhol or Roberto Clemente bridges. Riverfront trails and stadiums are within walking distance.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville remains one of Pittsburgh’s most popular neighborhoods for young professionals. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,300 to $2,000 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800. Lower Lawrenceville, closest to the Strip District, commands the highest rents. Upper Lawrenceville offers more moderate options.
Units in renovated industrial buildings feature exposed brick and large windows. The Butler Street commercial district offers acclaimed dining, bars, and boutiques. Parking can be challenging; off street parking adds $50 to $150 per month.
Shadyside
Shadyside offers a polished urban environment with walkable shopping and dining. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $3,000. Newer luxury buildings near Walnut Street command the highest rates. Older converted homes offer more moderate options.
The neighborhood features tree lined streets, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community. Parking is often an additional expense of $75 to $150 per month.
Moderate City Neighborhoods
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill offers strong value with a complete commercial district and park access. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,600 to $2,500. Units in older converted homes offer generous square footage and character features.
The Forbes and Murray Avenue commercial district provides grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and dining within walking distance. Frick Park offers over 600 acres of trails and green space. Parking is typically street parking.
South Side Flats
The South Side Flats offer a range of options near an active nightlife corridor. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200. Newer buildings near the river command higher rents. Older row house conversions offer more moderate options.
East Carson Street provides bars, restaurants, and shops. The riverfront trail offers recreation. Parking is challenging; off street parking adds $50 to $150 per month.
Oakland
Oakland is dominated by student and medical professional housing. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,000. Central Oakland, closest to the universities, has the highest rents. North Oakland and South Oakland offer more moderate options.
Parking is limited, and many residents rely on walking or transit. The neighborhood has a dense, energetic atmosphere with high foot traffic.
East Liberty
East Liberty has seen significant revitalization with new development and growing amenities. One bedroom apartments in newer luxury buildings range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $2,000 to $2,800. Older buildings offer more moderate rates from $1,000 to $1,400.
The commercial district along Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue features a grocery store, cinema, and growing collection of restaurants. The East Liberty busway provides rapid transit to downtown.
Affordable City Neighborhoods
Highland Park
Highland Park offers a quiet, residential setting near the namesake park. One bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,400 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800. Units are in older buildings and converted homes.
The Bryant Street business district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining. Highland Park offers 375 acres of trails, a swimming pool, and athletic fields. Parking is generally available.
Greenfield
Greenfield offers affordability near Squirrel Hill and Oakland. One bedroom apartments typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. Units are in older buildings and converted homes.
Schenley Park is adjacent, providing extensive trails and green space. The commute to Oakland takes 5 to 10 minutes. Parking is generally available.
Dormont
Dormont offers T light rail access to downtown at affordable rents. One bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800. Units are in older buildings and converted homes.
The West Liberty Avenue commercial district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining. The T provides a 10 to 15 minute ride to downtown, eliminating parking costs.
Carnegie
Carnegie offers a short, tunnel free commute to downtown. One bedroom apartments typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The West Main Street business district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
The drive to downtown via the West End Bridge takes 10 to 15 minutes and avoids tunnel congestion. Parking is generally available.
Bellevue
Bellevue offers a short commute along the Ohio River. One bedroom apartments typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The Lincoln Avenue business district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining.
The drive to downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes via Route 65 and the West End Bridge. Parking is generally available.
Crafton
Crafton offers a tunnel free commute with affordable rents. One bedroom apartments typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. The business district along Crafton Boulevard provides a grocery store and local businesses.
The drive to downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes via the West End Bridge. Parking is generally available.
Millvale
Millvale offers a very short commute just across the Allegheny River. One bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,100 to $1,500. The neighborhood has an emerging commercial district.
The drive to downtown takes approximately 10 minutes via Route 28. Parking is generally available.
Suburban Townships
Ross Township
Ross Township offers garden style apartments with dedicated parking. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $1,900. Units are in complexes with amenities such as pools and fitness centers.
The McKnight Road retail corridor provides extensive shopping. The commute to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes via Interstate 279.
Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon offers T light rail access and top rated schools. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800. The Uptown commercial district offers walkable shopping and dining.
The T provides a 15 to 20 minute ride to downtown. Rental rates are among the highest in the suburbs.
Bethel Park
Bethel Park offers garden style apartments with T access and good schools. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,100. South Park provides extensive recreational opportunities.
The T provides a 25 to 35 minute ride to downtown. The Bethel Park School District has a strong reputation.
Cranberry Township
Cranberry Township offers newer luxury apartments with extensive amenities. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,600. Units are in newer communities with fitness centers, pools, and clubhouses.
The commute to downtown takes 30 to 40 minutes via Interstate 79. The township has its own employment base and extensive retail.
Monroeville
Monroeville offers garden style apartments near extensive retail. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,300 to $1,900. The Monroeville Mall and surrounding retail provide extensive shopping.
The commute to downtown takes 20 to 30 minutes via the Parkway East. The Squirrel Hill Tunnel is the primary bottleneck.
Robinson Township
Robinson Township offers garden style apartments near the Parkway West. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,100. The Mall at Robinson provides extensive shopping and dining.
The commute to downtown takes 20 to 30 minutes via the Parkway West. The Fort Pitt Tunnels are the primary bottleneck.
Complete Price Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Two Bedroom Rent | Parking | Transit | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $1,800-2,500 | $2,500-3,500 | Add $150-200 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Strip District | $1,700-2,300 | $2,200-3,000 | Add $100-200 | Excellent | Excellent |
| North Shore | $1,500-2,200 | $2,000-2,800 | Add $100-200 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Lawrenceville | $1,300-2,000 | $1,800-2,800 | Add $50-150 | Good | Excellent |
| Shadyside | $1,400-2,200 | $1,800-3,000 | Add $75-150 | Good | Excellent |
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200-1,800 | $1,600-2,500 | Street/fee | Good | Excellent |
| South Side | $1,200-1,800 | $1,500-2,200 | Add $50-150 | Good | Good |
| Oakland | $1,000-1,500 | $1,400-2,000 | Limited | Excellent | Good |
| East Liberty | $1,000-1,400 | $1,500-2,000 | Add $50-100 | Excellent | Good |
| Highland Park | $900-1,400 | $1,200-1,800 | Often included | Limited | Limited |
| Greenfield | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Limited |
| Dormont | $900-1,300 | $1,200-1,800 | Street/fee | Excellent (T) | Good |
| Carnegie | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good |
| Bellevue | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good |
| Crafton | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | Often included | Good | Good |
| Millvale | $900-1,200 | $1,100-1,500 | Often included | Good | Limited |
| Ross Township | $1,100-1,500 | $1,400-1,900 | Included | Limited | Limited |
| Mt. Lebanon | $1,400-2,200 | $1,800-2,800 | Often included | Excellent (T) | Good |
| Bethel Park | $1,100-1,600 | $1,400-2,100 | Included | Good (T) | Limited |
| Cranberry | $1,400-2,000 | $1,800-2,600 | Included | Limited | Limited |
| Monroeville | $1,000-1,500 | $1,300-1,900 | Included | Limited | Limited |
| Robinson | $1,100-1,600 | $1,400-2,100 | Included | Limited | Limited |
Finding the Right Neighborhood for Your Budget
Under $1,000
Neighborhoods with one bedroom apartments under $1,000 include Greenfield, Carnegie, Bellevue, Crafton, Millvale, and Highland Park. These areas offer functional housing in residential settings with reasonable commutes to downtown. Renters should expect older buildings, basic finishes, and limited amenities.
$1,000 to $1,500
At this price point, renters have options in Squirrel Hill, South Side, Oakland, Dormont, and Ross Township. This range offers a balance of location and affordability. Renters can find well maintained units in desirable neighborhoods.
$1,500 to $2,000
At this price point, renters access Lawrenceville, Shadyside, North Shore, and East Liberty. This range offers premium locations and, in many cases, newer construction or renovated units. Renters can expect better finishes and amenities.
Over $2,000
At this price point, renters access downtown and the Strip District, as well as the most desirable units in Lawrenceville and Shadyside. This range offers luxury finishes, comprehensive amenities, and prime locations.
Making the Decision
Rental prices in Pittsburgh vary significantly by neighborhood, reflecting differences in location, housing stock, and amenities. For renters on a tight budget, affordable neighborhoods such as Greenfield, Dormont, Carnegie, and Bellevue offer one bedroom apartments under $1,200 with reasonable commutes to downtown. For those seeking a balance of location and value, Squirrel Hill and the South Side provide one bedroom units in the $1,200 to $1,800 range. For renters who prioritize premium locations and amenities, the Strip District, North Shore, Lawrenceville, and Shadyside offer one bedroom units from $1,300 to $2,500.
By considering your budget, commute preferences, and desired lifestyle, you can find a neighborhood that fits your needs. The Pittsburgh region offers options across the price spectrum, making it possible to find an apartment that works for you.