P
ittsburgh has been named the most affordable large‑city market in the United States, with a median home price of roughly $250,000—well below the national median of about $425,000 in late 2025. The city’s housing costs have risen only about 6 % over the past five years, a modest increase compared with the double‑digit climbs seen in many other metros.

    Why It Matters

    Housing affordability has become a national crisis as rising prices and higher mortgage rates push homeownership out of reach, especially in big cities. In most parts of the country, the median home price far exceeds what a typical family can comfortably afford. Pittsburgh, however, offers a rare combination of low purchase prices, a livable environment, strong job growth in health care and technology, and supportive policies for new buyers.

    Key Facts

    - Median home price: $250,000 (October 2025), more than $150,000 below the national median.

    - Homeownership rate: 69.5 %, higher than the national average.

    - Inventory: 5,842 homes for sale this fall, giving buyers more options and bargaining power.

    - Median‑income households can qualify for median‑priced homes, and in July 2025 could afford over half of all listings.

    - Population growth: 4,700+ new residents since 2020, attracted by jobs in tech, health care, and robotics.

    - City‑backed incentives and grant programs help first‑time buyers with down payments and closing costs, saving thousands of dollars.

    Comparisons

    While many major cities have seen steep price increases since 2020, Pittsburgh remains an outlier. The national median home value reached $370,489 in 2025, with most large metros exceeding that figure. Other affordable cities include Decatur, Illinois ($89,855 median price), Enid, Oklahoma, and Mission, Texas, but they lack the larger job markets and amenities of Pittsburgh.

    Voices from the Market

    Realtor.com’s senior economic research analyst, Hannah Jones, notes that “in a landscape where affordability has eroded nationwide, Pittsburgh remains a bright spot where buying a home is still within reach for most households.” Agent Jackie Bohdan of Your Town Realty shares that “buyers have a lot of choices at every price point, and many of my clients are first‑time buyers in their 30s, with some as young as 21. City incentives have helped them save thousands.”

    Looking Ahead

    Pittsburgh’s affordability advantage is likely to persist, but continued population growth and demand could eventually push prices higher. Local and state officials have pledged to sustain affordability through existing grant programs and incentives, aiming to keep the city an accessible option for families seeking homeownership.