Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pittsburgh, PA
Thinking of moving to Pittsburgh, PA? With a population of about 303,000, Pittsburgh offers affordable living with median home prices around $228,000 and average rents near $1,240. The city boasts a strong education presence, including top universities, and a commute time averaging just under 24 minutes. While the cost of living is below the national average, you'll enjoy rich cultural amenities, a robust healthcare system, and four distinct seasons. Review the local housing, schools, and lifestyle stats below to see if the Steel City is right for your next move.
Demographics - Pittsburgh, PA
Demographics - Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is home to roughly 303,000 residents, offering a diverse urban environment with a youthful median age of 33.2 years. The city features a rich blend of cultures, with nearly 11% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a significant African American and Asian presence alongside its majority White population. Its moderate population density helps balance vibrant city life with accessible neighborhoods.
Population:
302,971
Density:
5,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
64.8%
Black:
22.8%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh's cost of living is about 5% below the national average, making it an affordable choice among major U.S. cities. The median home value is $228,000, and average rents are around $1,240 per month, with reasonable utility and transportation costs. Affordable state income taxes and a low housing index further enhance the city's appeal for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$228,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.7
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
76.5
Utilities:
107.9
Transportation:
100.3
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Pittsburgh, PA a safe place to live?
Pittsburgh experiences moderate crime rates, with about 427 violent crimes and 2,049 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. This means residents have a 1 in 234 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is on par with many similarly sized cities. Most neighborhoods remain safe, but it's wise to review local crime maps when choosing a place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
427
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,049
Crime Index:
2,476
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 234
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Pittsburgh, PA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 21°F and warm, humid summers reaching highs near 83°F. Pittsburgh receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 45% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are especially pleasant, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
The typical Pittsburgh household earns around $54,000, while the median income is just over $37,000, reflecting a mix of professionals, students, and families. With nearly half of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a poverty rate of 18.6%, the city offers educational opportunities but also economic diversity. Commute times are manageable, averaging about 24 minutes, and public transportation is widely used.
Median Income:
$37,400
Household Income:
$54,306
Family Income:
$75,700
Per Capita Income:
$34,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
18.6%
Non English Speakers:
10.9%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
16.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
49.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh is a hub for education, featuring reputable public and private schools as well as top-tier universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. Nearly half the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, and local high schools offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios. The city's strong educational infrastructure makes it attractive for students and families alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Pittsburgh Allderdice High School
Street:
2409 Shady Ave
Phone:
412-529-4800
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12
Street:
111 9th St
Phone:
412-529-6101
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0

Private Schools
Name:
Winchester Thurston School
Street:
555 Morewood Ave
Phone:
412-578-7500
Students:
660

Colleges
Name:
University of Pittsburgh
City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,200
Name:
Carnegie Mellon University
City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
15,800
Healthcare
Pittsburgh boasts a robust healthcare sector, anchored by nationally recognized hospitals like UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and Allegheny General Hospital. With an ample supply of physicians—3.2 per 1,000 residents—and over 92% health insurance coverage, residents have excellent access to medical services. The city’s healthcare system is a key draw for both families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
Address:
200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone:
(412) 647-2345
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Allegheny General Hospital
Address:
320 E North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone:
(412) 359-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pittsburgh, PA?
The local housing market remains accessible, with a median home price of $228,000 and a healthy mix of renters and homeowners. Rental vacancies are slightly above average at 8.3%, and recent home appreciation has been steady at 4.1% over the past year. Pittsburgh offers a stable real estate environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$228,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle-related services in Pittsburgh are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), accessible online or at their Harrisburg office. Residents benefit from streamlined processes for licenses and registrations through the state’s central DMV resources. Helpful information and forms can be found at the official PennDOT website.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.