What are the most affordable cities to buy a house?
Whether you’re looking to move across the country or across town, these are some of the most affordable markets for homebuyers in 2026.
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The top 10 most affordable cities to buy a house
1 Buffalo, New York
It’s a chilly place in wintertime, but Buffalo’s median home price of $261,300 makes it affordable for first-time and repeat buyers. Famous for its namesake chicken wings, Buffalo is known as a town for foodies, and its location near the Great Lakes makes it popular for outdoor and water sports. Zillow reports that 21.7% of homes in Buffalo sell for under list price.
2 St. Louis, Missouri
At the center of the largest metropolitan region in the state, St. Louis sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and was developed in its early days at a major port town. Its economy has expanded to include industries such as brewing, professional and business services, health care and utilities services. The median home price in St. Louis is $236,688, and more than 40% of properties here sell for less than the asking price, Zillow’s latest data shows.
3 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The second-largest city in the state by population, the Steel City’s location makes it a key link between the Midwest and the Atlantic coast. Long known as a heavy-industry town, Pittsburgh’s economy has shifted in recent years to support sectors that include biomedical technology, financial services, health care and nuclear engineering. The median home price here is $274,583, and nearly 48% of properties sell for less than the asking price, Zillow reports.
4 Detroit, Michigan
As the largest city in the state by population, the Motor City is well-known for its connection to the auto industry. The city recently has attracted industries such as technology, health care, mortgage lending and financial services. The median home price here is $92,683, and as Zillow reports, more than 55% of properties sell for less than the asking price.
5 Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama’s second-largest city by population, Birmingham’s early days played a key role in the steel industry. More recently, the city’s economy has shifted to include banking, beverage production, biotechnology and engineering. As Zillow reports, the median home price in Birmingham is $189,333, and nearly 60% of properties sell for less than the asking price.
6 Baltimore, Maryland
Known for its diverse neighborhoods, Baltimore is the largest city in the state by population. Its spot along the Atlantic coast made it a convenient port location in its early days, and it continues to function as headquarters for a number of major shipping companies. It also supports industries that include health care, manufacturing and refining. The median home price here is $233,250, and Zillow says more than 40% of home sell for less than the asking price.
7 Indianapolis, Indiana
Home values go up quickly in Indiana’s state capital and largest city, though the market is still affordable for first-time and repeat homebuyers. Indy’s relatively low unemployment rate owes its success to industries such as transportation, education and health services, and manufacturing. The median home price here is $256,633, and more than 50% of properties sell for less than the asking price, Zillow says.
8 Cincinnati, Ohio
At the center of the largest metro region in the state by population, Cincy’s location along the Ohio River made it a key stop as a shipping hub. Famed for its signature-style chili and diverse neighborhoods, the city now also supports industries such as health care, utilities management, banking and aerospace. The median home price in Cincinnati is $266,300, and as Zillow reports, more than 45% of properties sell for less than the asking price.
9 Cleveland, Ohio
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is the second largest city in the state by population. Its location led to rapid growth as the city was key in steel and other manufacturing industries. In recent years, its economy has expanded into industries that include health care, financial services and technology. The median home price in Cleveland is $124,967, and as Zillow reports, nearly 50% of properties sell for less than the asking price.
10 Chicago, Illinois
The largest city on this list and third largest in the country, Chicago sits on Lake Michigan and is home to headquarters for more than 30 Fortune 500 companies. With an expansive public transit system, it is easy to take advantage of all the city has to offer. For those who like to travel a little farther, Chicago’s location and large international airport makes visiting other places a breeze for residents of the Windy City. The median home price in Chicago is $378,633, and Zillow reports that more than 34% of properties sell for less than the asking price.
How to get pre-approved for a mortgage
Mortgage pre-approval is the first step in your homebuying process. It’s a mortgage lender’s conditional agreement to loan you a certain amount of money based on your financial situation.
Before issuing a mortgage pre-approval letter, the lender reviews your credit history, income, assets, and debts. This letter shows home sellers you’re a serious buyer.
Ready to make your homeownership dreams a reality? Start your mortgage pre-approval process with Rate today for fast approvals and personalized service.
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.
Savings, if any, vary based on the consumer’s credit profile, interest rate availability, and other factors. Contact Rate for current rates. Restrictions apply.
