If you searched for "what is the capital of Pittsburgh", here's the short answer:
- Pittsburgh is a US city, not a US state. Cities don't have "capitals" — only states (and countries) do.
- Pittsburgh is in the state of Pennsylvania.
- The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, not Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania essentials
State capital: Harrisburg
USPS code: PA
Largest city: Philadelphia
Region: Northeast
Year admitted to the Union: 1787
Why people ask "capital of Pittsburgh"
It is a common confusion — and a fair one. Of the 50 US states, only 17 have their capital be the largest city of the state. Pennsylvania is not one of them: the capital (Harrisburg) is actually smaller than Philadelphia. Famous cities like Pittsburgh dominate the news and the cultural imagination, so people naturally assume they must be capitals. They are not.
The 5 classic "trap" examples (where the famous city is not the capital):
- New York → capital is Albany, not NYC.
- California → capital is Sacramento, not LA or San Francisco.
- Texas → capital is Austin, not Houston or Dallas.
- Illinois → capital is Springfield, not Chicago.
- Florida → capital is Tallahassee, not Miami or Orlando.
Memorize all 50 capitals — free
Statedoku's daily puzzle is built around the 50 states + capitals. Play one round per day, learn one state.
See the 50-capital cheat sheet →FAQ
What is the capital of Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a city, not a state, so it has no capital. Pittsburgh is in Pennsylvania, whose capital is Harrisburg.
Is Pittsburgh the capital of Pennsylvania?
No. The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg.
What state is Pittsburgh in?
Pittsburgh is in Pennsylvania (USPS: PA).
Is Harrisburg bigger than Pittsburgh?
No. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania; Harrisburg is the capital but smaller in population.