Restaurant opportunity score in Pittsburgh hits 78/100 thanks to $65,000 incomes and 70/100 foot traffic.
Best Restaurant Location in Pittsburgh
Our analysis of Pittsburgh reveals $24/sqft commercial rates, 70/100 pedestrian activity, and moderate saturation—key factors in the high outlook for restaurant ventures.
Launching a restaurant in Pittsburgh requires $255K capital against $65K household income (3.9x multiple).
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Pittsburgh, United States
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Restaurant Opportunity Score: Pittsburgh
Competitive dynamics unique to Pittsburgh
Market Opportunity
Based on 7 comprehensive market factors
Financial Overview
Find the Perfect Restaurant Location in Pittsburgh
We'll pinpoint the best neighborhoods and exact addresses where your restaurant will thrive—with competitor gaps, demographics, and revenue potential.
Restaurant Market in Pittsburgh
quantitative site ranking
Market Position
Pittsburgh positioning
Launching a restaurant in Pittsburgh requires $255K capital against $65K household income (3.9x multiple).
Location costs run $24/sqft (70 walkability score), totaling $24,000/mo for standard retail footprint.
Market scale: 2.5M population × $65K income = $160B consumer spending power.
Moderate competition meets high growth at 3.9x startup-to-income ratio.
Market viability index: 63/100 (factors: 3.9x funding, 70/100 walkability, $24/sqft costs).
Pittsburgh runs on Healthcare and Technology, supporting $65K earners.
Steady 2.5% growth with moderate competition indicates mature market conditions.
$255K startup. 47 local income-months to break even.
Competitive Position
National ranking for restaurants
Score: 78.5/100. 2.5M people. $65K income.
Restaurant costs $255K to open. Income ratio: 0.25x.
Traffic: 70. Rent: $24/sqft. Income: $65K.
High growth. Moderate competition. Score: 78.5.
2.5M metro. $24/sqft rent. 70 foot traffic.
$255K startup. $24,000/mo rent. 47 income-months to recoup.
Score 78.5. Moderate competition. Good entry point.
$159.7B total income across 2.5M people.
Strategic Recommendations
Actionable strategies tailored for Pittsburgh
High growth. Moderate competition. Plan accordingly.
Traffic: 70. Rent: $24/sqft. $24,000/mo for 1000 sqft.
$65K income. Mid-tier pricing works. Offer options.
Restaurant: $255K to open. 47 income-months to recoup.
Traffic 70. Balanced. Mix storefront and digital.
2.5M metro. $65K income. 2-3 locations possible.
$288,000/yr rent. 443.1% of local income. Factor that in.
High growth absorbs Moderate competition. Worth entering.
Launch Timing & Momentum
Align your opening window with market-ready signals
Entry Signal
Moderate - Strategic Entry
With moderate saturation, Pittsburgh rewards operators who execute fundamentals exceptionally well. Invest in staff training, consistent quality, and local community engagement over the next 6-12 months to build sustainable advantage.
- 📈 High growth outlook - strong expansion timing
- ⚖️ Moderate competition - balanced market entry
Seasonal Levers
- Holiday dining
- Summer outdoor seating
- Event catering opportunities
How Pittsburgh surpasses
based on 70/100 traffic metrics
Pittsburgh's $65,000 average income runs 61% above the $40,492 national benchmark, supporting premium pricing.
Pittsburgh's $24/sqft lease rates undercut the $33/sqft benchmark by 26%.
Pittsburgh's 70/100 walkability index runs 11% lower than typical (79/100).
Regional reach of 2.5M positions Pittsburgh 36% below the 3.8M standard.
Restaurant Market Analysis for Pittsburgh
Why Pittsburgh for Restaurants?
- Metro population of 2,457,000 provides large customer base
- Average income of $65,000 supports restaurant spending
- High business density indicates healthy economic activity
- Strong foot traffic opportunities throughout the city
- Strong demographics opportunities throughout the city
Restaurant Success Factors
Seasonal Considerations for Pittsburgh
Holiday dining
Summer outdoor seating
Event catering opportunities
Best Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh
From downtown to suburban: Pittsburgh's opportunity spread
Downtown Pittsburgh
High PotentialBusiness District
Strong WeekdaySuburban Areas
Growth AreaPittsburgh vs Other United States Cities for Restaurants
| City | Population | Avg Income | Market Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh ⭐ | 2,457,000 | $65,000 |
|
Current City |
| Atlanta | 6,307,000 | $71,000 |
|
Explore → |
| Plano | 7,760,000 | $102,000 |
|
View data → |
| Frisco | 7,760,000 | $127,000 |
|
Compare → |
| Fort Lauderdale | 6,166,000 | $73,000 |
|
Check it → |
Restaurant Insights Unique to Pittsburgh
Every business + city URL now shows a different mix of ratios, rent dynamics, and demand levers.
Location costs run $24/sqft (70 walkability score), totaling $24,000/mo for standard retail footprint.
High growth. Moderate competition. Score: 78.5.
In Pittsburgh, Local cuisine preferences becomes the tiebreaker.
Pittsburgh outperforms Atlanta by -12 points on the opportunity index, highlighting why the city commands premium rents.
Restaurant FAQs for Pittsburgh
Each answer references real Pittsburgh data so this section is unique across the site.
What makes the Pittsburgh market distinctive?
Location costs run $24/sqft (70 walkability score), totaling $24,000/mo for standard retail footprint.
What operational lever matters most for restaurants in Pittsburgh?
Local cuisine preferences should lead your playbook when launching in Pittsburgh.
How does Pittsburgh compare to other restaurant markets?
Pittsburgh outperforms Atlanta by -12 points on the opportunity index, highlighting why the city commands premium rents.
What playbook works best for restaurants in Pittsburgh?
2.5M metro. $65K income. 2-3 locations possible.
Data Sources & Methodology
Our analysis combines multiple authoritative data sources
Economic Data
- World Bank Open Data
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- National Census Bureaus
Business Intelligence
- Ease of Doing Business Index
- Global Innovation Index
- Industry Association Reports
Demographics
- UN Population Division
- Municipal Open Data Portals
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys
Real Estate
- Commercial Real Estate Listings
- CoStar Market Analytics
- Local Zoning Databases
Methodology Note: Our opportunity scores are calculated using a weighted algorithm that considers population density, income levels, competition saturation, commercial rent costs, and industry-specific success factors. Data is refreshed quarterly from authoritative sources. Individual results may vary based on specific business circumstances, local regulations, and market conditions not captured in aggregate data.
Ready to Open Your Restaurant in Pittsburgh?
Moderate - Strategic Entry with a 78/100 opportunity score, high competition, and a 70/100 foot traffic index. With moderate saturation, Pittsburgh rewards operators who execute fundamentals exceptionally well. Invest in staff training, consistent quality, and local community engagement over the next 6-12 months to build sustainable advantage.