It's easier to save for a home in Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgers have a slightly easier time saving up a down payment on a home than the average American.
Why it matters: Coming up with a down payment is one of the biggest barriers to homeownership.
The big picture: It took the typical U.S. household 6.9 years to save for a median home down payment in 2025, per a Realtor.com analysis.
- Although the average timeline has shortened from 12 years in 2022, it remains roughly double the pre-pandemic norm, per the analysis.
Zoom in: The typical household in Pittsburgh took 6.4 years to save for the median home down payment in 2025.
- The region's median down payment was $25,063 in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the over $30,000 national average.
- Regions similar to Pittsburgh include Baltimore (6 years), Cincinnati (6.1 years) and Columbus, Ohio (6.9 years).
Zoom out: In expensive coastal metros, including San Francisco, San Diego and New York, it can take middle-income households decades to save for a down payment, the real estate site found.
- Meanwhile, some Southern metros and military hubs offer faster paths.
- San Antonio saw the shortest time to save, averaging 1.3 years.
What they're saying: "Higher home prices and intensified competition have pushed typical down payments higher, at the same time that inflation and rising household expenses have reduced savings rates," said Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale in a news release.
The bottom line: The share of first-time buyers in the U.S. has fallen to a record low as inventory and affordability issues persist, per the National Association of Realtors.
- Many younger people are tapping family money to get a foot in the door.