The Brief
- Pittsburgh is the most affordable large U.S. housing market for 2025, with a $250,000 median listing price – over $150,000 below the national median, according to data by Realtor.com.
- It’s one of only three major metros where households can afford median-priced homes, based on the 30% affordability rule of thumb.
The most affordable city in the U.S. sits in the western part of Pennsylvania.
Realtor.com analysts analyzed listing price data, median income levels, and rent data to look at the typical home cost in Pittsburgh, and how it measured up against local incomes and rent.
Pittsburgh is most affordable city in US for 2025
According to the data, Pittsburgh remained the lowest-priced large U.S. housing market in October, with a median listing price of $250,000, more than $150,000 below the national median.
Research also showed that Pittsburgh was only one of three large metros where a median-income household could afford a median-priced home, based on the 30% affordability rule of thumb.
The 30% affordability rule suggests that a potential homebuyer should spend no more than about 30% of their pre-tax income on housing, so there is room for other non-negotiables as well as savings. It is seen as a helpful benchmark for prospective buyers to gauge whether purchasing a home is financially prudent.
In addition, research by the company showed that the city offers many incentives for first-time homebuyers, including grants toward home purchases for those who qualify.
What they're saying:
"In a housing landscape where affordability has eroded nationwide, Pittsburgh remains a rare bright spot where buying a home is still within reach for most households," Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones said in a statement.
Buying home in Pittsburgh more economical than paying monthly rent
Dig deeper:This data comes just after the Steel City caught attention this summer for being the only major metro where becoming a first-time homeowner was more economical than paying monthly rent.
In July, Pittsburgh stood out as the only major metro where a median-income household could afford more than half of the homes for sale.
"This underscores that, more than anywhere else, the typical Pittsburgh buyer still has real options in today’s housing market," Jones continued.
Local perspective:
Currently, there are 5,842 houses on the market in the city – and it’s growing.
Pittsburgh gained 4,708 residents from 2020 to 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Pittsburgh’s current homeownership rate stands at approximately 69.5% – above the national average of 66%, according to the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group.
Most affordable cities in US for 2025
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: $249,900 (Median list price)
- Detroit, Michigan: $270,000
- St. Louis, Missouri: $299,900
- Cleveland, Ohio: $275,000
- Indianapolis, Indiana: $331,500
Housing affordability
Big picture view:For nearly two years, mortgage rates have hovered near their highest levels in more than two decades, creating a significant barrier to entry into the U.S. housing market, slowing demand and making the American dream of owning a home seem out of reach for many.
RELATED: Hidden homeownership cost in US is nearly $16K a year, Zillow analysis finds
Those challenges don't appear to be going away anytime soon either, as mortgage rates ticked higher last week for the second straight week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac.
Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage increased to 6.24% from last week's reading of 6.22%.
