Scenic aerial view of the Pittsburgh, PA skyline on a sunny day showing multiple rivers and the iconic yellow bridges

Living in Pittsburgh

Where is Carnegie Mellon University?

CMU is proud to call Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home. The city provides an unbeatable combination of affordability and opportunity for our students and staff. With a cost of living at the national average, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and rich cultural offering,  the Steel City is an ideal place to study and launch your career.

Home to cutting-edge startups, tech giants and healthcare leaders, Pittsburgh contains a wealth of internship and professional opportunities. As a CMU Tartan, you'll be at the heart of this energetic environment, surrounded by like-minded peers and industry pioneers. But that's just the beginning of what makes our city shine.

Spend your weekends exploring world-class museums, historic music venues and award-winning restaurants. Or perhaps you’d rather bike along the riverfront trails, hike in nearby parks or cheer on our champion sports teams. Whatever your lifestyle, it’s easy to make Pittsburgh your home, too.

Pittsburgh by the Numbers

Live in a city built for your success. The ‘Burgh has all the ingredients you need to thrive.

Top 10

Rental Market for Recent College Graduates

According to Realtor.com

# 2

Best Cities to Find a Job

According to WalletHub

3800

Acres

Of city parks to explore, including Schenley Park, which is adjacent to campus

A Tech Hub 

Nearly 300,000 professionals power Pittsburgh's booming tech industries. Opportunities multiply through startup accelerators, networking events and an innovative community eager to support the next big idea. Robotics and software engineering are the city's tech cornerstones, attracting global giants and nurturing homegrown success stories. Google, Uber, Microsoft and Apple have all established significant presences here, while an ever-expanding galaxy of tech startups — including language-learning phenomenon Duolingo and fashion innovator Modcloth — trace their roots back to Carnegie Mellon University.

Hear From CMU Students About Life in Pittsburgh

Aerial view of Pittsburgh

Free Admission With the CMU Arts Pass

Your CMU student ID is more than just campus access — it's your key to the city's world-class museums and attractions, all for free. Learn about the CMU Arts Pass.

Things to Do in Pittsburgh

From serene hikes to cultural adventures, the Steel City offers endless ways to recharge and explore beyond campus.

A bustling industrial-style café with exposed brick walls and large windows as patrons sit at tables enjoying drinks and meals

Foodie Destinations

Savor award-winning cuisine, from classic pierogies to inventive fusion dishes. Pittsburgh's diverse eateries cater to every palate and budget.

A vibrant outdoor artist market with multiple people browsing and shopping handmade goods and art under a white canopy

Gallery Crawl

Immerse yourself in this quarterly arts extravaganza, where the Downtown Cultural District transforms into a sprawling canvas of visual and performance art.

View from a white kayak on a river outside of Pittsburgh at sunset with a suspension bridge ahead and greenery on the riverbanks

Hike, Bike, Row

Hike lush trails, bike along the three rivers or kayak on urban waterways. Pittsburgh's green spaces and waterways await your exploration.

Illuminated marquee of the Benedum Center, showcasing "Hamilton" with show dates on the ornate facade

Cultural District

Experience premier performances — symphony, opera, ballet, musicals and more — in stunning, historic venues.

Aerial view of PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, with the Pittsburgh skyline and yellow bridges as a scenic backdrop

Sports Teams

Feel the energy as you cheer on our legendary teams. Whether it's Penguins ice hockey, Pirates baseball, Riverhounds soccer or Steelers football, game day is always electric.

A pair of vibrant flamingos in a natural habitat at the Pittsburgh Zoo, one stretching its wings while the other stands nearby

Zoo and Aquarium

Experience animals up close at one of only six major combined zoo and aquarium complexes in the country.

Find Your Home in Local Neighborhoods

All first-year CMU undergraduate students live on campus, but many upperclassmen and graduate students discover their home away from home in nearby neighborhoods. From the tree-lined streets of Shadyside and the bustling eateries of Squirrel Hill to the academic and cultural hub of Oakland, each area offers its own unique character and conveniences.

A major perk? Pittsburgh's housing affordability. According to Apartments.com, the average rent in the city is 15% lower than the national average, stretching your budget further.

Ready to find your perfect spot? Explore these resources: