Which cities are the most affordable to buy a home?​ 

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have done it before, looking at where your dollar is going to go the furthest can be an important part of the homebuying process. That is why we have collected a list of the most affordable cities to buy a home in. 

Prepare for buying a home in an affordable city with a mortgage pre-approval. 

Which cities are the most affordable to buy a home? 

Not all cities are as expensive to buy a home in as some others. The median home price across the U.S. is $408,800 as of March 2026. Of course, this is just the median home price and can be over double that in more expensive cities or states. 

If you are looking to make a move to an area where your money can go the furthest when purchasing a home, these are some of the most affordable places to buy a home in the U.S. 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  

Pittsburgh may not be the cheapest city on this list, but it is the most affordable large housing market in 2026. It’s also the only big city where buying a home is more affordable than renting.  

• Median home price: $250,000 

• Median income: $68,000 

Decatur, Illinois 

Decatur’s median income tends to be below the national average. However, with housing costs so low, residents of Decatur typically only spend around 14% of their annual incomes on their mortgages. 

• Median home price: $89,855 

• Median income: $49,714 

Enid, Oklahoma 

The median home value in Enid is significantly below the national average and ranks No. 2 in overall affordability, behind Decatur. Enid’s economy centers on energy, agriculture and government services. 

• Median home price: $143,305 

• Median income: $62,361 

Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Recently, Fort Wayne has experienced steady population growth and downtown revitalization. Despite this, the cost of living in Fort Wayne is 39% lower than the national average. 

• Median home price: $180,000 

• Median income: $57,138 

Des Moines, Iowa 

The only capital city on this list, Des Moines has the biggest state fair in the country and housing costs 23% lower than the national average. 

• Median home price: $240,000 

• Median income: $85,731 

Where is the lowest cost of living in the U.S.? 

The state with the lowest cost of living in the U.S. is West Virginia. 

West Virginians pay around 16% less than the national average for day-to-day expenses. The median home price in West Virginia is $155,000, while the median income is $50,884 and the median rent is $800. 

Tips to save money on a home purchase 

Regardless of whether you are looking for a home in a more affordable area or anywhere else, these are some tips on how you could save money* when purchasing a home. 

Look into down payment assistance programs 

Every state has down payment assistance programs and grants that could reduce the amount you have to pay up front. Check the state you are looking to buy in and see what it may offer. 

Improve your financial situation 

If you have some time before buying a home, improving your financial situation could help you save money by reducing the rate on your mortgage. Boosting your credit score, paying down debt and building your savings are all ways in which you can improve your financial situation before shopping for a home. 

Plan for the purchase and look at homes in your budget 

Looking at your financial situation before shopping, planning a budget and sticking to it can prevent you from overspending and spreading yourself too thin financially. 

Look at realistically what you can put toward a down payment and monthly mortgage payments without draining your savings. If you are hoping to better understand what your monthly payment will look like, you could get a mortgage pre-approval.  

A pre-approval will show you what your monthly payments could like with the mortgage interest rate you may be approved for, as well as the total loan amount you could receive from a lender. 

How to start the homebuying process today 

You can start the homebuying process by completing an online application for a mortgage pre-approval with a trusted lender. Your mortgage pre-approval will connect you to a professional Loan Officer who can help you through the mortgage and pre-approval process or answer any questions you may have. 

Start the homebuying process today by completing an online application. 

_{*Savings, if any, vary based on the consumer’s credit profile, interest rate availability, and other factors. Contact Owning for current rates. Restrictions apply.} 

_{Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.} 

_{All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. Owning does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error-free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Owning. Owning its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action.}