With its dynamic urban renaissance, booming job market, and incredible livability, Pittsburgh has become an increasingly popular destination for renters of all ages. However, finding a quality apartment that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge, especially in the city’s hottest neighborhoods.
From renovated historic gems to modern communities with resort-like amenities, Pittsburgh has an array of attractive yet affordable apartments perfect for stretching your rental dollars. This insider’s guide will lead you to some of the city’s best budget-friendly abodes, no matter if you’re a student, young professional, or starting a family.
Vibrant City Living for Less
Many assume living in the heart of Pittsburgh translates to sky-high apartment rents. But savvy renters know you can find extremely affordable options in the very neighborhoods that make the city so dynamic and walkable.
For example, Downtown’s Renaissance City apartments offer sleek, pet-friendly studios and one-bedrooms from just $900-1100 per month right on the rivers and Cultural District. Or check out Cork Factory Lofts’ industrial-chic apartments in the Strip District starting around $1200 for one-bedrooms.
Oakland is another prime urban spot with apartments tailored for students and young professionals. Complexes like the Frat Haus and Bouquet Gardens offer basic but well-located units near Pitt and CMU from $600-800.
The East End’s Walkable ‘Hoods
Pittsburgh’s East End is absolutely loaded with eclectic, walkable neighborhoods boasting some of the city’s best affordable apartment living. Student haven Shadyside has charming options like the Southwick Building with studios from $700. Or check out Ellsworth Apartments’ spacious units near shops and restaurants for $900 and up.
Historic Mexican War Streets charms with renovated mansions converted into affordable apartments, some under $800 for singles or roommates. Bloomfield’s Italian community vibe offers up deals at gems like the H.J. Heal Building starting around $900.
Squirrel Hill is a family favorite, with complexes like the Chambers Building providing one-bedrooms from $1100 near shops and parks. And don’t miss trendy East Liberty’s new construction like Eastside Bond, with apartments from $1200.
Go Suburban for Even Bigger Savings
With Pittsburgh’s incredible affordability compared to most major cities, even the nearby suburbs offer incredible values on rental apartments, especially for those looking for more living space.
Mount Lebanon, Pittsburgh’s first suburb, has lovely communities like Arlington Village with one-bedrooms from $900, complete with tree-lined swimming pools. Hampton Township’s Grandview Estates lives up to its name, offering two-bedrooms under $1200 in a serene setting minutes from the city.
Or head north to Evans City and Zelienople for even lower rental rates. New construction like the Towne Lyne Village provides luxury amenities and spacious rentals from $1100 for two-bedrooms. Woodsprings Suites rents all-inclusive suites with kitchens and living areas from $850 per month.
Get Lucky with Move-In Specials
As with any rental market, apartment managers love to fill vacancies fast. That’s why they regularly offer move-in specials to attract new tenants. And Pittsburgh is no exception when it comes to these money-saving deals.
It’s common to find offers like a month of free rent, reduced security deposits, or waived amenity fees. For example, Highland Park’s Highland Haus apartments often provide four to six weeks free on two-bedrooms starting at $1500. Or reserve a unit early at South Side’s Brix development for $500 off move-in costs.
Many luxury communities like Overton Trails in Westchester also knock a percentage off rental rates seasonally or for lucrative Corporate Housing packages.
Embrace Alternative Housing
Traditional apartment complexes aren’t the only affordable rental option in Pittsburgh. More flexible living situations like renting rooms or entire houses are thriving in the area.
Online platforms like Rooms8 and RoommateFinders can connect you with people seeking roommates or reasonably priced room rentals from as low as $400 per month plus utilities in shared homes around neighborhoods like Friendship and Bloomfield.
Or check sites like Zillow and Hotpads for entire houses or townhomes for rent by owners at rates starting under $1000, especially in up-and-coming areas like Beltzhoover or Allentown. Just be willing to tackle some basic maintenance in exchange for extra living space.
Insider Tips for Savings
No matter where you hope to rent in Pittsburgh, a few insider tips can help stretch your housing budget even further:
- Timing is everything – rent prices dip seasonally, with the lowest rates typically found October through February.
- Be open to longer lease terms of 15-18 months to score even lower monthly rents.
- Major student turnover in May/June means excellent deals near colleges and universities.
- Check for income-restricted “affordable housing” communities with rent based on your income level.
- Sign up for insiders clubs and social media accounts to get notified of flash deals and move-in specials.
With its incredible affordability, amazing livability, and endless rental housing options, Pittsburgh is truly an apartment hunter’s dream. By being flexible, timing your search strategically, and knowing where to look, you can absolutely find safe, comfortable and amenity-filled apartments for rent that leave room in your budget to enjoy everything else this dynamic city has to offer.