The Most Budget-friendly Cities in the US to Buy a House

Bernard Reynolds
Published Aug 7, 2026


A recent study by WalletHub reveals that buying a house in the US has become hard for many.

High mortgage rates and a shortage of available homes have made it extremely difficult, causing many to give up the search almost immediately. But, the situation varies widely across the country, with some cities offering more affordable options than others.

The problem is widespread. According to Realtor.com, to afford a three-bedroom home, a family needs to have a certain income. This calculation is based on a 10% down payment and mortgage rates of 6.65% over 30 years, ensuring housing expenses don't exceed 30% of the household income.

Check out: Quick Guide to the Best First-Time Home Buyer Loans in 2025

Based on this, states like Alabama, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and twelve others, are where you can find homes under $100,000.

Michigan emerges as the state with the best options, particularly Flint, which is named the most affordable city for homebuyers by WalletHub. Flint's homes are priced around $61 per square foot, with about 21% of houses on the market.

Detroit, also in Michigan, ranks second due to its low prices and high availability, with 22% of homes up for grabs. Pittsburgh, Ohio, takes third place, showcasing its affordability for potential homeowners.

This information highlights the significant disparities in the US housing market, emphasizing the importance of location in finding affordable housing options.

-

Find out if you're eligible for more housing support here!

Related articles

Turning a Fixer-Upper Into Your Dream Home: A Friendly Guide...

Taking on a fixer-upper can feel like a thrilling adventure, but it is completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the process. According to a Zillow analysis, buyers are often willing to pay up to 3.7% a...

Chase Home Lending Brings Back 3-Week Mortgage Rate Sale...

With national interest rates hovering near 7%, Chase Home Lending has launched a limited-time interest rate promotion to give prospective home buyers and refinancers a financial break. The nationwide promotion run...

10 U.S. Cities Where Renting Huge Bargains Compared to Buying

High mortgage rates and elevated home prices have made homeownership increasingly out of reach for many Americans. However, recent real estate data shows that renting offers massive monthly savings over buying...

How to Claim Your Share of the $28.5M Keller Williams and RE/MAX Settlement...

If you bought a home recently, you might have some unexpected cash waiting for you. Major real estate brokerages Keller Williams and RE/MAX agreed to a $28.5 million settlement over allegation...

Homebuyer Assistance Programs Reach a Record High as Grants Expand...

Getting the keys to a new home is becoming easier thanks to a growing number of assistance programs. According to a new report from Down Payment Resource (DPR), the number of U.S. homeownership assista...

Understanding the $2,000 Tariff Dividend: What It Means for Your Wallet and Housing Relief...

In an era of shifting economic policies and rising living costs, word of direct financial relief naturally catches everyone's attention. Recent discussion surrounding a propo...