Let’s look at some of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods for renters – as well as rent prices based on Zillow and other popular platforms.
A question many potential first-time homebuyers wrestle with is: Does it make more financial sense to keep renting or buy a home?
In Pittsburgh, the answer might surprise you. Unlike most major U.S. metros, it’s actually more affordable to buy a Pittsburgh home than to rent one. According to a recent Realtor.com rental report, the Steel City is the only top metro area in the country where owning a starter home costs less each month than renting.
In June 2025, the typical monthly cost of purchasing a 0–2-bedroom home in Pittsburgh was $1,362, compared to $1,473 to rent a similar unit. That’s $111 in monthly savings for buyers.
It’s a striking reversal of the national trend — across the other 49 major metros, the average cost of owning a starter home is about $900 (50%+) higher per month than renting.
Still, there are plenty of reasons why renting in Pittsburgh might make sense.
Maybe you’ve just sold or are about to sell your Pittsburgh home and need a short-term rental while you search for your next place. Perhaps you’ve recently moved to the city and want to explore its many neighborhoods before committing to one. Or maybe you simply value the flexibility that renting offers.
Whatever your situation, this guide breaks down some of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods for renters, their rent based on Zillow and other popular rental platforms, and key insights into what determines rent prices in the city.
What’s the Average Rent for Pittsburgh Zillow Rentals?
If you’re searching for apartments or homes for rent in Pittsburgh, Zillow is often the first stop for many renters. As of October 2025, Zillow data shows that Pittsburgh rental prices range from $100 to $12,500 per month, depending on property size, neighborhood, and amenities (more on this later).
The average rent in Pittsburgh currently stands at $1,530, up $35 from last year and 25% below the national average of $2,045. That price gap highlights Pittsburgh’s reputation as a relatively affordable city for renters compared to many major metro areas.
However, relying on a single listing platform can give a limited picture of the Pittsburgh rental market. Different real estate websites track and update listings differently, which can influence the reported averages.
Here’s how Pittsburgh rent prices compare across other leading platforms:
- Redfin reports that, as of August 2025, the average rent in Pittsburgh was $1,890, a $35 month-over-month increase. Redfin’s figures are often viewed as more precise since the site pulls listings directly from Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
- On Zumper, a popular rental marketplace serving the U.S. and Canada, the median rent across all property types and bedroom counts in Pittsburgh was $1,500 as of October 2025.
- According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a 683-square-foot apartment in Pittsburgh was $1,385 per month in October 2025, reflecting a 2.4% increase year-over-year.
Taken together, the four platforms place the average rent in Pittsburgh between $1,385 and $1,890 per month. The variation depends on the source’s dataset and the type of housing tracked.
Factors That Influence Pittsburgh Rent Prices
Steel City’s rental prices vary widely depending on several key factors:
1) Neighborhood Desirability
In Pittsburgh, location plays the biggest role in determining rent.
Highly desirable neighborhoods such as Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Aspinwall often command higher rents, typically ranging from $1,700 to $2,400. These elevated prices reflect more than just strong demand—they signal the overall quality of life these communities provide.
Take Squirrel Hill, for example. One of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after neighborhoods, it offers convenient access to major employers and top universities like Carnegie Mellon and Chatham University, making it ideal for academics, students, and working professionals.
The neighborhood’s walkable streets are lined with independent cafés, movie theaters, bookstores, bars, and international restaurants, creating a vibrant yet family-friendly atmosphere.
Combine that with A+ rated public schools, a strong safety record, proximity to downtown Pittsburgh, and quick access to Frick and Schenley Parks, and it’s easy to see why Squirrel Hill rentals charge more.
2) Property Features, Size, and Amenities
Newly built or recently renovated Pittsburgh Zillow rentals with in-demand features—such as open-concept layouts, energy-efficient windows, contemporary kitchens with smart appliances, in-unit laundry, and home automation systems for lighting and temperature control—can rent for 15–25% more than older units nearby.
Still, well-maintained historic homes in neighborhoods like Fox Chapel, an affluent Pittsburgh suburb, as well as Shadyside and Squirrel Hill, continue to hold strong rental value.
Their timeless craftsmanship, distinctive architecture, and generous floor plans appeal to renters who prioritize charm and quality over brand-new construction.
Bedroom count also remains a reliable pricing indicator. According to Apartments.com data (October 2025), average Pittsburgh rents per bedroom are:
- Studio: $1,212
- 1-Bedroom: $1,385
- 2-Bedroom: $1,641
- 3-Bedroom: $1,901
3) Housing Supply, Demand, and Market Pressure
The Pittsburgh rental market has seen nearly a 50% rent increase in recent years—driven by limited housing inventory and a growing population of renters.
A shortage of homes for sale has forced many would-be buyers to stay in rentals, tightening supply and pushing prices higher.
Meanwhile, beginning with the pandemic and continuing afterward, renters from high-cost metros like New York City and Washington, D.C., have been relocating to Pittsburgh in search of affordable housing and a better quality of life.
This migration has reduced rental vacancy rates, especially in popular areas where new construction remains limited. With more renters competing for fewer available units, landlords have steadily raised prices to keep pace with demand.
Looking to Sell Your Pittsburgh Home Fast?
If you’re planning to sell your home and rent while deciding your next move, HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh can make that transition quick, simple, and stress-free.
As Pittsburgh’s #1 cash home buyer, we purchase properties in any condition at their fair market value—often closing in as little as 21 days and covering all closing costs.
That means you get the cash and flexibility to smoothly move into a Pittsburgh Zillow rental that fits your lifestyle and timing—without juggling two housing payments or waiting months for your home to sell.
Getting started is easy. Just call 412-444-8914 or email info[@]urbanpgh.com to schedule your free 30-minute home evaluation and receive a competitive, no-obligation cash offer today!
