BRRRR Investing in Pittsburgh, PA

BRRRR Score: 4.9/10Ranked #19 of 52 markets

Data-driven brrrr analysis for Pittsburgh, PA — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

BRRRR Score:4.9
Cap Rate(30%)
7.2%4.9
Affordable Entry Price(25%)
$180,0008.3
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.69%4.2
Population Growth(20%)
-0.5%1.8

Key Metrics for BRRRR

Median Price

$180,000

Affordable

Cap Rate

7.2%

Good

Rent-to-Price

0.69%

Post-refi cash flow indicator

Pop. Growth

-0.5%

5-year trend

BRRRR Investment Thesis

Pittsburgh has successfully transitioned from steel to tech and healthcare. The eds-and-meds economy supports stable rental demand, though higher property taxes eat into cash flow.

How Pittsburgh Compares

RankCityBRRRR ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#14Louisville, KY5.17.3%$195,000
#15San Antonio, TX5.06.5%$250,000
#16Jacksonville, FL5.06.4%$285,000
#17Cincinnati, OH4.97.0%$195,000
#18Des Moines, IA4.96.6%$200,000
#19Pittsburgh, PA4.97.2%$180,000
#20Milwaukee, WI4.76.7%$175,000

Showing markets ranked near Pittsburgh for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,250/mo)$15,000
Less: Vacancy (9.6%)-$1,440
Less: Property Tax (2.15%)-$3,870
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$900
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$2,700
Estimated NOI$6,090
Implied Cap Rate3.4%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brrrr score for Pittsburgh, PA?

Pittsburgh, PA scores 4.9 out of 10 on our brrrr score, ranking #19 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: cap rate (30%), affordable entry price (25%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), population growth (20%). Scale 0–10.

Is Pittsburgh a good city for brrrr investing?

Pittsburgh, PA ranks #19 for brrrr investing — a solid mid-tier market with a score of 4.9/10. The median home price is $180,000 with a 7.2% average cap rate.

What is the average cap rate in Pittsburgh?

The average cap rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 7.2%. The median home price is $180,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,250, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.69%.

What are the property taxes in Pittsburgh?

The effective property tax rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 2.15%. On a $180,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,870 per year in property taxes.

How does Pittsburgh compare to other brrrr markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Pittsburgh, PA ranks #19 for brrrr investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.

What is the typical entry price for BRRRR deals in Pittsburgh?

The median home price in Pittsburgh, PA is $180,000. Distressed BRRRR-eligible properties typically sell for 60-70% of median value, putting estimated acquisition costs around $117,000. After rehab, the goal is to refinance at or near the full $180,000 after-repair value.

Run Your Own Numbers for Pittsburgh

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