Travel Budget for Pittsburgh Visit Pittsburgh on a Budget or Travel in Style

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The Northeast /
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Pittsburgh is an industrial city known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Pittsburgh and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Pittsburgh?

You should plan to spend around $220 per day on your vacation in Pittsburgh. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $94 on meals
  • $22 on local transportation
  • $212 on hotels

A one week trip to Pittsburgh for two people costs, on average, $3,080. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $220
  • One Week Per person
    $1,540
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,080
  • One Month Per person
    $6,600
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,080
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,160
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,200
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Pittsburgh cost?

A one week trip to Pittsburgh usually costs around $1,540 for one person and $3,080 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Pittsburgh on average costs around $3,080 for one person and $6,160 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Pittsburgh will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Pittsburgh on average costs around $6,600 for one person and $13,200 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Pittsburgh expensive to visit?

Pittsburgh is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

If you choose to make it so, Pittsburgh can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $95 per day, mid-range travelers spend $220 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $447 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pittsburgh.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Pittsburgh is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hot Springs or Duck.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pittsburgh Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Pittsburgh?

The average Pittsburgh trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pittsburgh travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pittsburgh cost?

Pittsburgh on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$45 $106 $216
Local Transportation 1 $8.69 $22 $58
Food 2 $41 $94 $184
Entertainment 1 $17 $38 $72
Alcohol 2 $7-22 $16-49 $31-94

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Pittsburgh, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $95 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A significant number of visitors to Pittsburgh will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $220 per person, per day.

In Pittsburgh, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh is a fantastic option for families, and The Priory Hotel is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Pittsburgh here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $447. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Pittsburgh Airport to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Pittsburgh

Prices for hotels in Pittsburgh vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $141, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $263. With options ranging from $95 to $371, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Pittsburgh for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $212. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $106 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $106
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $212

Hotels in Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Pittsburgh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Pittsburgh

The average hotel room price in Pittsburgh based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $141 in the low season and $263 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Pittsburgh include:

  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh starting at $218
  • The Oaklander Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $261
  • Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel starting at $222
  • Omni William Penn Hotel starting at $253
  • Mansions on Fifth starting at $215
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Pittsburgh

While Pittsburgh has a good public transit system, staying outside the city to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.

Certain areas of Pittsburgh are fairly walkable, which helps you see more attractions. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $22 per person, per day, on local transportation in Pittsburgh. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pittsburgh is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $22

Transportation Tips

When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer for $47 details
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer for $47 details
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $94 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Pittsburgh
How much does it cost to go to Pittsburgh? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Pittsburgh
The price of renting a car in Pittsburgh will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Pittsburgh

The food in Pittsburgh is enjoyable, but not enough to draw tourists specifically for the restaurants. Be sure to seek out a few standout restaurants in the city. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Pittsburgh can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pittsburgh is $94 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $94

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pittsburgh is around $94 ($94) per person, with previous travelers spending from $41 to $184. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Pittsburgh are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $28
  • Lunch: $14 to $38
  • Dinner: $28 to $66
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Traditional Pittsburgh foods reflect the city's multicultural heritage, especially that of the European immigrants of the early 20th century. While these immigrant populations introduced dishes such as pierogis to the city, they are now enjoyed by Pittsburghers in general. Other Pittsburgh food specialties were developed in the city. Pittsburgh's food scene is extensive and delicious. From hamburgers to pierogi's, Pittsburgh has something for every appetite. It is becoming one of the most popular food destinations in the US, for good reason. Pittsburgh has several distinct dishes, but one of the most famous is the Primanti. The Primanti sandwich is served on a sheet of wax paper with two slices of Italian bread then it is piled high with coleslaw and french fries (don't order the coleslaw or fries on the side - you will likely get made fun of). The other ingredients after these depends on the sandwich you order. There are many locations in and around the Pittsburgh area but the original is in the Strip District. A stop should be made here to try some food that embodies Pittsburghers.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pittsburgh

People come to Pittsburgh in droves for museums and attractions, nightlife, food, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pittsburgh typically cost an average of $38 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $38

The six-story Andy Warhol Museum celebrates Pittsburgh's coolest native son, who moved to NYC and made himself famous with pop art. The exhibits start with Warhol's earliest drawings and commercial illustrations and include a simulated Velvet Underground happening, a DIY 'screen test,' and pieces of Warhol's extensive knickknack collection. Cans of inflatable Campbell's soup are for sale.

The Carnegie Museums, founded in 1895, these neighboring institutions are both tremendous troves of knowledge. The Carnegie Museum of Art has European treasures and an excellent architectural collection, while the Carnegie Museum of Natural History features a complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and beautiful old dioramas.

The Gothic Cathedral of Learning tower, soaring 42 stories at the center of the University of Pittsburgh, is a city landmark. Visit to see the delightful Nationality Rooms, themed classrooms ranging from Russian to Syrian to African.



Ride the Duquesne or Monongahela Incline. These nifty funiculars, both built in the late 19th century, are Pittsburgh icons, zipping up the steep slope of Mt Washington every 5 to 10 minutes. They provide commuters a quick connection, and give visitors great city views, especially at night. You can make a loop, going up one, walking along aptly named Grandview Ave and coming down the other. At the top, you can take in the view of the beautiful skyline.

Visit the aquarium and zoo. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium can make an entertaining afternoon for young families. This zoo is home to more than 400 different species of animals, some of which are threatened or endangered. Animals are grouped in different habitats, ranging from the African Savanna (where you'll see elephants, lions and giraffes) and the Asian Forest (say hello to tigers, red pandas, and snow leopards) to the PPG Aquarium (with penguins, sharks and colorful fish) and Water's Edge (home to sea otters and polar bears).

Have some fun at Kennywood amusement park. The park first opened as a "trolley park" attraction at the end of the Mellon family's Monongahela Street Railway in 1899. The amusement park features various structures and rides dating back to the early 1900s. Along with Rye Playland Park, it is one of only two amusement parks designated a National Historic Landmark for its history and historic rides.

Pittsburgh holds a number of arts and cultural festivals. Some of the favorites include the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Greek Food Festival, Three Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, and Little Italy Days.

Take a river tour. Several different tour companies are centered around Station Square in South Side, and most of them focus on giving river tours - indeed, one of the best ways to see Pittsburgh is from the three rivers themselves, taking in views of the downtown skyline, the hillsides, the bridges, and the stadiums.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Pittsburgh for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Pittsburgh. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Lights, Camera, Pittsburgh - Movie Tour for $33 details
  • Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game Ticket at PNC Park for $86 details
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena for $55 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Pittsburgh

In Pittsburgh, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $33 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pittsburgh per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $33
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Pittsburgh. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk for $69 details
  • Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour for $89 details
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour for $105 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Pittsburgh

  • During the peak season of summer, prices are typically elevated and the city can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
  • Pittsburgh isn't a major hub for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm, you might need to rethink your plans. Opting for a budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a smarter choice.
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Traveling in Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers. Set between the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, and a mountain ridge called Mt Washington, Pittsburgh has a unique character that is evident from the moment you arrive. Juxtaposed with the rumbling freight trains and the iconic bridges are the Bladerunner-esque self-driving Uber vehicles, scanning the roads with spinning Lidar scanners. Its Gilded Age sites, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, speak to its history as an early-20th-century industrial capital. In the North Shore neighborhood are the modern Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field football stadium, and PNC Park baseball stadium. Experiencing periods of boom and bust since its founding, the city is in a boom now, and it's a fun place to visit, with top-notch museums, great gardens and parks, and amazing food.



Neighborhoods & Around

Downtown

The historic, economic, administrative, and cultural center of the city, where the three rivers meet. Here you will find many of the main attractions, best restaurants, and a variety of shopping establishments.

East End-South

Home to the city's "second downtown" - the college neighborhood of Oakland - as well as many institutions, parks, and quieter residential and shopping areas.

East End-North

A center of the city's ethnic diversity, this formerly industrial area is now bustling with shops and restaurants.

North Side

Two of Pittsburgh's major league sports teams and many of the city's finest museums can be found here.

South Side

A particularly hilly region famous for its inclines and great views of the city - as well as its bar scene.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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