Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges! If you’re planning a trip, it’s a solid choice, you’re in for a great time, for sure. However, choosing a place to stay can be a bit frustrating and I’m here to make things easy for ya.
The hostel scene here is LACKING while hotels in town easily cost a couple of hundred bucks a night. Why do that to yourself? Especially if you’re a broke backpacker!
Your trip to Pittsburgh shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Instead, I’ve considered all of the alternative options out there and listed them here on my best budget accommodation in Pittsburgh post. I’ve got the best – between guesthouses and homestays, there are ways to make your stay in the ‘Burgh one that won’t break the bank.
Pittsburgh is the second-biggest city in Pennsylvania and offers many attractions. If you’re a fan of history or art, you’ll delight in the city’s museums, art galleries, and historic sites. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll find many gorgeous parks, gardens, and scenic spots.
So stick with me and I’ll take you through the best Pittsburgh has to offer.
Let’s dive in to the ‘Burgh!

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Quick Answer: The Best Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh
- Best Overall Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh – Oakland University Apartment
- Best Budget Accommodation in Pittsburg for Solo Travelers – Northside Downtown Pittsburgh
- Best Cheap Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh – Heart of the Burgh
- Best Party Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh – Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh West
- Best Budget Accommodation for Digital Nomads in Pittsburgh – The Maverick by Kasa
The Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
So, now you have the overall view of what to expect from places in Pittsburgh. Now, let’s take you through the places that will give you the best value for your money as you backpack the USA.
1. Oakland University Apartment – Best Overall Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh

- Private Room: From $48
- Address: 925 Bryn Mawr Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
Skip Pittsburgh hotels and stay in this epic accommodation at Oakland University. With a fabulous location, a homely feel and plenty of opportunity to make friends, staying on campus. While this is far from a traditional hostel experience, those don’t really exist in Pittsburgh and I reckon this is the closest you’ll get.
With perks commonly found in a hostel, like a fully-equipped communal kitchen, lock codes on the doors and laundry facilities too. There’s air conditioning to help you regulate your temperature and linen is included so all you have to do is show up! When if comes to where to stay in Pittsburgh, look no further my fellow backpackers.
Why you’ll love this accommodation:
- Large Double Beds
- Coffee Machine On-Site
- Great Location
Take advantage of the newness and lack of wear and tear in this budget-friendly accommodation in Pittsburgh. The cleanliness is comparable to a hotel which is a treat if you’ve been backpacking for a while! Enjoy the big Double bed and catch up on some R&R in Pittsburgh.
This room is in an epic location for exploring Pittsburgh once you’re feeling rested and restored. As the second biggest city in Pennsylvania, there are many attractions on offer as well as historic sites, museums, and art galleries. The urban centre is stunning in Pittsburgh and there are plenty of bars to peruse where you can potentially pick up a travel buddy!
2. Northside Downtown Pittsburgh – Best Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh for Solo Travellers

- Private Room: From $38
- Address: 1444 Loraine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States
This homestay is great for solo travellers because it is TINY! What it lacks in space, it makes up for in amenities, and location, you’re not further than 1km away from any hot spots. Get your solo ass down to the Alpine parklet, Allegheny Center Plaza or the National Aviary and make some friends if that’s your buzz.
If you want to get to other attractions in town, Pittsburgh has wonderful public transport and cabs and nothing major is more than 10kms away. When I’m travelling solo, I like to stay in places where I feel like I’m not too remote which helps me feel safe. Plus, There’s a micro kitchen set up that you can cook up your own meals in.
Why you’ll love this accommodation:
- Your Own Bathroom
- FLat Screen TV
- Linen Included
When I’m travelling solo, I’m travelling light so having a fully equipped kitchen with linen waiting for me, and a refrigerator to store my snacks. Located in Deutschtown with free parking across the street, perfect if you’re on a great American road trip! Depending on when you decide to visit, this can be a pretty quiet area and you may get the entire place to yourself.
Each room is like its own apartment though so don’t stress if you want to stick to yourself and not see other people. The perks of having your own apartment is that it’s all yours, including the bathroom. This way you can do what you gotta do in the privacy of your own space.
3. Heart of the Burgh – Best Cheap Accommodation in Pittsburgh

- Private Room: From $47
- Address: 1444 Loraine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States
Heart of the Burgh is in North Side Pittsburgh and offers comfortable, cheap accommodation within walking distance of plenty of Pittsburgh attractions. Budget backpackers love walking places, simultaneously saving money and getting that passive exercise in to stay fit while traveling. This accommodation offers a double bedroom with a shared bathroom and kitchen so you can cook up your own breakfast before heading out for the day.
The host is super helpful and loves giving tips on Pittsburgh. There are parks and the Children’s Museum within walking distance of Heart of Pittsburgh. Towels and bed linen are provided here too so you don’t have to stress about finding those.
Why you’ll love this accommodation:
- North Side Pittsburgh
- Walking Distance to Parks
- Free Wifi
If you’re on a raodie, you’ll love this accommodation as it offers free parking alongside free wifi. You’ll be using that wifi to plan your stay in Pittsburgh – there are so many incredible free activities to get amongst, whatever you’re into. The streets are a veritable smorgasbord of art, sculptures and self-expression and that’s not even touching on the epic waterways.
Exploring these gets more expensive if you want to venture via jetski or boat, but the City of Bridges provides plenty of opportunities for pedestrian expeditions. If you’re more of a museum kinda person, the Children’s Museum is narby and the Andy Warhol Museum is about a 15-minute walk away.

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Hide Yo’ Money!4. Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh West – Best Party Accommodation in Pittsburgh

- Private Room: From $85
- Address: 875 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220, United States
The Holiday Inn Express is an IHG Pittsburgh hotel and while it’s a far cry from a party hostel, sometimes a hotel to crash will do. You’re close to the party scene and have luscious beds to sleep off that hangover in and hotel spec air conditioning to boot. Just a 12-minute drive from South Side and the infamous Carson Street, you’ll be able to scratch your party itch here.
I mean itch exclusively in the metaphorical sense!! This hotel is clean and will feel luxurious to any broke backpacker looking to party in Pittsburgh. Check their availability through booking.com and get yourself that free breakfast to help take the edge off that hangover and the hotel price.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Breakfast
- Comfortable Big Beds
- Fitness Centre and Swimming Pool
Another fabulous way to refresh is a dip in the pool of course and the pool at the Holiday Inn Express is elite. Plenty of space for a make shift pool party so long as you bring the vibe!
All my party people know there’s nothing like seeing a big game in the USA, it’s one of the best things to do in Pittsburg. Staying at this Pittsburgh Hotel you’ll be a hop skip and a jump away from Acrisure Stadium. Plus there are lots of room options if you’re travelling with a crew.
5. The Maverick by Kasa – Best Budget Accommodation in Pittsburgh for Digital Nomads

- Private Room: From $94
- Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15206, United States
Work from the bath!? Say less! With one of those bath trays to set up your laptop on, you can splish splosh splash into your work day if that tickles your fancy. With a coffee machine in each of the rooms, you won’t even need to leave your room to get into a caffeine-induced workflow.
Each room in this Pittsburgh hotel has its own seating area which is ideal for digital nomads meeting to deep dive into some work. One of the most difficult things about working on the go can be finding space to get into the headspace for work. Often this would have me searching for a Pittsburg Airbnb but that issue is completely negated here.
Why you’ll love this accommodation:
- City Views
- Coffee Machine
- Space to Digital Nomad
Unlike a hostel, rooms are separate from one other and each of them has its own kitchenette. Meaning that communal spaces are not a thing here. So, if you’re looking to meet and mingle with fellow travellers, this may not be the place for you.
While there isn’t a dedicated fitness centre at The Maverick by Kasa, you’re within a couple of miles of a plethora of parks. Going for a walk or a run to even doing a body-weight workout in the great outdoors is a fabulous way to blow out the cobwebs. There’s nothing like coming back to something you were stuck on fresh out of breath and with a fresh mindset.
More Epic Budget Stays in Pittsburgh
So yeah, the hostel scene is lacking but that doesn’t mean broke backpackers can’t find a place to stay! Check out these other sweet dig’s I’ve found to keep that backpacker budget in check and those Z’s stacking up sweetly.
Stay Pittsburgh

- Private Room: From $44
- Address: 100 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Stay Pittsburgh is marketed as a hostel but there’s a bit more to it than that! Most importantly though, it’s exactly what you’ve come looking for; a totally affordable rate in the heart of the city. You’re literally not going to find rates like this anywhere else in town.
Also like a hostel, you’ve got access to kitchen facilities, so you can keep rolling with the theme of keeping costs low by preparing your own meals. This way you don’t have to be constantly eating out while you’re in town. That’ll definitely help to keep the dollars in your pocket.
each of the rooms at Stay have their own kitchens, so you can keep rolling with the theme of keeping costs low by preparing your own meals. This way you don’t have to be constantly eating out while you’re in town. That’ll definitely help to keep the dollars in your pocket.
Parking can be a bit of a headache, especially in the heart of the city, but Stay has a garage for you to use. So for a few extra bucks each day, you’ll be headache-free, ideal if you’re on an East Coast roadie.
I gotta shout out Stay for being pet friendly. This is so key when you just can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend at home during your epic adventures (us!). Instead, bring him along and let him experience Pittsburgh by your side.
Stay Pittsburgh is a great place to make your home base during a trip to the ‘Burgh. It’s perfectly situated downtown, so everything is right at your front door. It’s literally just across the water from Mt Washington and the historic Monongahela Incline.
Point Breeze Guest House

- Private Room: From $107
- Address: 123 North Linden Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, United States
You can’t get much better than Point Breeze Guest House. It’s a winner-winner chicken dinner! The beautiful double rooms will make you feel right at home. The private sitting areas or balconies also you enough room to spread out in the privacy of your own space. Pretty freaking sweet!
Point Breeze goes the extra mile to make guests at home by providing brekkie in the morning. The kitchenette is also super convenient to heat something up on your own or brew a cuppa any time you fancy.
Point Breeze is pet-friendly too. So if you’re looking to bring your furry friend along, you’re in luck. Four-legged guests are welcome. There are also parks nearby that are sure to please your best pal.
Located in the Point Breeze Neighborhood, the guest house is close to Carnegie Mellon University and the Frick Art Museum. If you’re hoping to see the sites throughout the city, there are bus stations nearby that will help get you where you want to go.
3E-Cosy Micro Apartment in Oakland

A micro-apartment, specifically 3E-Cosy, could be exactly what you’re looking for. Consider this: A private room all to yourself that has everything you’re looking for in a comfortable stay. It’s what some would call a ‘studio’, but ya know, it’s still super convenient for your trip.
Private bathroom? Check. Full-sized bed? Yup, it’s even a super cool murphy bed that hides away when you’re not using it to give you more space.
Kitchen? It’s set with a kitchenette. Think microwave instead of an oven. But, who’s really going to be doing some mad complex cooking when you’re on holiday!? You’ll be out enjoying everything the city has to offer instead. But this way, you can bring home your leftovers and warm them up for some late-night snacking.
How’s the location? Nicely situated close to some real hot spots in Pittsburgh, the micro-apartments are close to Shadyside. If you’re looking to go further, hop on a bus nearby or use a ride-sharing app to get you where you want to go. I suggest cruising out to see the art in Randyland!
How about the price? The key thing about the micro-apartment is that it’s a small space that comes along with a small price tag. Wanna bring your dog? The Micro Apartment is pet-friendly. Hooray!
Northside Victorian Bed and Bagels

As the name suggests, Northside Victorian is located just north of downtown Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. Don’t worry about the location, there’s still tons to do in the area. It’s even a short walk to the Heinz Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. To get you around the city the T and bus lines have stops nearby too – check out the Weeping Glass!
Northside Victorian can offer you more for your money by being just a bit further from downtown. This way you can enjoy all the wonderful things this cityhas to offer without putting a huge strain on your bank account. There’s even abagel breakfast on offer so you’re ready to head out refreshed and energised.
Beyond the yummy assortment of bagels offered in the morning, Northside Victorian has cosy private rooms and beautiful common spaces like the living room, kitchen and backyard. The shared kitchen is a perfect way to keep your travel expenses to a minimum. Instead of eating out every night, you can whip up a meal and maybe even share a story or two with other guests doing the same thing.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a big bad city – bad as in bad-ass but still, it’s wise to sort out good hostel insurance wherever you’re traveling.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Pittsburgh Hostels
Here are some common questions backpackers ask.
What to Pack for your Pittsburgh Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive hostel packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do hostels in Pittsburgh cost?
Hostels and guest houses begin at about $50 a night and can cost up to and even over $90. Keep an eye on Hostelworld in case a hot new hostel pops up!
What are the best hostels in Pittsburgh for couples?
With its cozy private rooms and superb facilities, Big house private room is THE place you are looking for. I highly encourage you to stay at this exceptional homestay and get romantic with your boo!
What is the best hostel in Pittsburgh near the airport?
While not particularly close to the airport, I still highly recommend Big house private room. They provide an airport shuttle service although at an additional cost.
Final Thoughts on Pittsburgh’s Hostels
As you can see from my best budget accommodation in Pittsburgh, when you’re headed to Steel City you don’t have to compromise on budget. You can stay in a fantastic place without putting a strain on your wallet while you travel. Hopefully, with my stellar guide, you’ll be confident in your choice of where to stay and can get excited about the rest of your plans!
I definitely think that The Oakland University Apartment is the best value for the money. With great room setups, stellar location and a rate that’s not going to break the bank, it’s the best around. Plus you get to be amongst the uni scene.
If you’re on a slightly tighter budget or traveling solo, Northside Downtown Pittsburgh is a great choice. It’s small but it packs a punch. In a great location with all the necessary amenities, this is a sweet stay.
No matter what place you choose (hostel, guest house, or apartment alike) your trip to the ‘Burgh will be one for the record books. It’s the second-biggest city in America and there’s something for everyone!
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!

Photo: @amandaadraper
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Pittsburgh covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Pittsburgh if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Pittsburgh before you arrive.
- Work from the bath!!Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for the USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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