Cost of Living in Pittsburgh for Students
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Pittsburgh is a mid-sized city with a small town feeling, yet vibrant, fun, convenient, affordable, friendly, welcoming with a strong sense of community across the 90 neighborhood. It ranks 58th as a student city based on indicators of quality of life, diverse student population, and a chance to study at renowned universities, with two features in QS World University Rankings.
Is Pittsburgh a safe city for international students?
Pittsburgh is consistently considered a safe city for students to live and study. The universities hold strong thoughts in their initiative on the safety of students and ensure the safe and security measures to make students feel safe.
Is Pittsburgh expensive for international students?
Pittsburgh is an affordable city and offers students a low cost of living. On average, the cost of living in Pittsburgh will be $1,100 – $2,000 /Month, including your rent, food, transportation and other expenses. The cost of student housing in Pittsburgh will range between $250 – $500 per week.
This will not include your tuition fees. For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.
The cost of living in this city will vary depending on your lifestyle and location.
Before we list the details of the cost of living inPittsburgh , let’s summarize its cost.
Expenses | Cost (Average) |
Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 – $60,000 /Year |
Accommodation | $1,000 – $2,000 /Month |
Local transport | $135 /Month |
How much is the fee for international students?
Pittsburgh is home to more than 29 colleges and universities, which comprise public and private ones. The tuition fees in public universities are relatively low compared to private universities. The cost of your fee will be determined by the course and university you choose to study. It also depends upon your residency. Please check in with your university for full information on your tuition fees.
Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
$20,000 to $50,000 / Year | $30,000 to $60,000 /Year |
Is rent expensive in Pittsburgh?
The cost of housing rent is 3% lower than the national average. You will find affordable and budget-friendly student accommodation in Pittsburgh. They range from student housing to student apartments. Below is a brief description of each of these types of accommodation options in Pittsburgh.
Student Housing
The reason why student housing in Pittsburgh and a favorable choice among students is private living and a range of options to choose student rooms in Pittsburgh. These rooms are fully -furnished and have modern amenities to provide a comfortable and easy living for students.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are up to 20 miles.
Student Housing | Price |
Ensuite/ Studio | $1,325 – $1,900 /Month |
Private Apartment
Student apartments in Pittsburgh are affordable and give you the option to choose from a wide range of occupancy. The apartments are fully furnished with top-class amenities. The apartments are the best way to socialize and make friends.
Apartment | Price |
Private | $1,000 – $1,500 /Month |
3. University Halls
University halls are on-campus accommodation that differs from private student housing. These are residence halls built within the campus building or close to one.
University Hall | Price |
Ensuite/ Studio | $500 – $2,500 /Month |
Is eating food expensive in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is big on its food scene, offering many eating and dining options. It all depends on your eating and spending habits and location. If you choose to eat out, the food will cost you $30 per person at a mid-range restaurant, while cooking meals at home will reduce your food spending as groceries per month will come to $450.
What are the utility bills in Pittsburgh?
While the rent cost may be lower, the utility bills are 28% higher than the national average. But you’re in luck, as the student housing covers your utility bills. For your information, the cost of utility bills in Pittsburgh is $150 per month.
How to get around Pittsburgh?
The best way to get around Pittsburgh is by walking, cycling or using public transportation like buses and light rails. Over 700 buses are servicing 7000 stations in Allegheny County. To get to a short distance, you can use the light rails. You can get a Panther Card and avail free travel on rails and buses.