Salary Needed to Live in Pittsburgh as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $18,213/year to live comfortably in Pittsburgh, PA — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$18,213
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$15,683
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$941
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Pittsburgh
| Expense | Pittsburgh | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $86 | $113 | -24% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $21 | $17 | +24% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $14 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $20 | $26 | -23% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $151 | $229 | -34% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $58 | -10% |
| Internet | $60 | $65 | -8% |
| Phone | $79 | $85 | -7% |
| Dining & Social | $279 | $300 | -7% |
| Entertainment | $112 | $120 | -7% |
| Personal Care | $70 | $75 | -7% |
| Total Monthly | $941 | $1,102 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$941
Target savings (10%):$121/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,062
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$18,213
Other Household Types in Pittsburgh
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Pittsburgh?
A single person needs approximately $18,213/year ($1,518/month gross) to live comfortably in Pittsburgh with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Pittsburgh?
A studio/1br in Pittsburgh costs approximately $86/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Pittsburgh affordable for a single person?
Yes, Pittsburgh is 15% more affordable than the national average for a single person.