The 10 Most and 10 Least Expensive Cities to Buy a Home in the US

Americans searching for homes today are facing some of the harshest conditions yet. Some people are opting for extreme measures, like living in tiny homes in expensive neighborhoods, moving in with family members, or, sometimes, a combination of both.

A number of prospective homeowners have uprooted their lives and moved to different parts of the country — or even the world — in search of a more affordable lifestyle.

The South, in particular, saw a large influx of Northerners seeking lower home prices and a lower overall cost of living. The Midwest, too, has become a hot destination due to its growing affordability.

How much money you make plays a major role in where you can afford to live. A report from Consumer Affairs shows that the amount you need to make in order to buy a home doesn’t generally align with how much people are making.

The median household income in the US was $83,730 in 2024, according to the US Census Bureau. The Consumer Affairs report found that an annual income of $120,796 is needed for homeownership, assuming a 10% down payment. That number varies depending on where you live.

The report found that California is home to the most cities that require a handsome salary, with nine out of the 10 cities in the top 10 being in the Golden State. Meanwhile, the cities that support salaries on the lower end are scattered throughout the South and Midwest.

See what cities require the highest and lowest salaries to afford a home.