Most Affordable Starter-Home Markets
States ranked by starter-home affordability, using Zillow's bottom-tier home value index against income. Ideal for first-time and budget-focused buyers.
| # | State | Est. home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $155,904 | $1,177 | $50,443 | 100 |
| 2 | Iowa | $131,928 | $996 | $42,686 | 100 |
| 3 | Kansas | $122,167 | $922 | $39,514 | 100 |
| 4 | Louisiana | $115,919 | $875 | $37,500 | 100 |
| 5 | Mississippi | $99,582 | $752 | $32,229 | 100 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $120,549 | $910 | $39,000 | 100 |
| 7 | West Virginia | $88,585 | $669 | $28,671 | 100 |
| 8 | Kentucky | $122,154 | $922 | $39,514 | 98 |
| 9 | Alabama | $122,882 | $928 | $39,771 | 97 |
| 10 | Arkansas | $116,962 | $883 | $37,843 | 96 |
| 11 | Michigan | $144,183 | $1,088 | $46,629 | 94 |
| 12 | Ohio | $140,727 | $1,062 | $45,514 | 94 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $158,769 | $1,199 | $51,386 | 90 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $166,952 | $1,260 | $54,000 | 84 |
| 15 | Missouri | $152,128 | $1,148 | $49,200 | 83 |
| 16 | Indiana | $157,269 | $1,187 | $50,871 | 81 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $168,652 | $1,273 | $54,557 | 81 |
| 18 | Texas | $184,827 | $1,395 | $59,786 | 73 |
| 19 | Minnesota | $221,287 | $1,671 | $71,614 | 69 |
| 20 | Maryland | $261,541 | $1,974 | $84,600 | 67 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $172,864 | $1,305 | $55,929 | 66 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $187,590 | $1,416 | $60,686 | 66 |
| 23 | Georgia | $196,584 | $1,484 | $63,600 | 64 |
| 24 | Virginia | $241,840 | $1,826 | $78,257 | 64 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $194,567 | $1,469 | $62,957 | 59 |
| 26 | Alaska | $252,942 | $1,910 | $81,857 | 58 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $191,061 | $1,442 | $61,800 | 57 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $216,317 | $1,633 | $69,986 | 57 |
| 29 | New York | $247,226 | $1,866 | $79,971 | 55 |
| 30 | District of Columbia | $337,464 | $2,548 | $109,200 | 48 |
| 31 | Wyoming | $238,154 | $1,798 | $77,057 | 48 |
| 32 | Florida | $231,656 | $1,749 | $74,957 | 46 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $200,515 | $1,514 | $64,886 | 46 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $308,389 | $2,328 | $99,771 | 45 |
| 35 | Delaware | $273,834 | $2,067 | $88,586 | 45 |
| 36 | Vermont | $260,231 | $1,965 | $84,214 | 44 |
| 37 | Maine | $251,061 | $1,895 | $81,214 | 40 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $364,618 | $2,753 | $117,986 | 38 |
| 39 | New Hampshire | $351,375 | $2,653 | $113,700 | 37 |
| 40 | Arizona | $293,613 | $2,217 | $95,014 | 34 |
| 41 | Colorado | $355,059 | $2,680 | $114,857 | 34 |
| 42 | Montana | $282,394 | $2,132 | $91,371 | 30 |
| 43 | Washington | $389,919 | $2,944 | $126,171 | 29 |
| 44 | Nevada | $317,361 | $2,396 | $102,686 | 28 |
| 45 | Utah | $387,263 | $2,924 | $125,314 | 28 |
| 46 | Massachusetts | $433,643 | $3,274 | $140,314 | 27 |
| 47 | Oregon | $350,089 | $2,643 | $113,271 | 26 |
| 48 | Rhode Island | $384,108 | $2,900 | $124,286 | 25 |
| 49 | Hawaii | $449,480 | $3,393 | $145,414 | 23 |
| 50 | Idaho | $338,349 | $2,554 | $109,457 | 23 |
| 51 | California | $467,879 | $3,532 | $151,371 | 20 |
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-08 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
How this ranking is built
Uses Zillow bottom-tier ZHVI (entry-level homes) rather than the mid-tier typical home. Every figure is an educational estimate. See the full methodology, then customize the math on the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator.
Explore more rankings
- Most Affordable States to Buy a Home
- Most Affordable Starter-Home Markets
- Affordable Family-Home Markets
- Lowest Income Needed to Buy
- Most Rent-Burdened States
- Most Affordable Cities to Buy
- Best Cities for First-Time Buyers
- Best Buyer-Opportunity Markets
- Markets With the Most Price Cuts
- Least Competitive Housing Markets
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Frequently asked questions
Where does this ranking's data come from?
Home values and rent are from Zillow Research (ZHVI/ZORI), 2026-08; income is from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-year 2023). Figures are estimates, not appraisals.
How is the ranking calculated?
Uses Zillow bottom-tier ZHVI (entry-level homes) rather than the mid-tier typical home. Full details are on the methodology page.
How do I adjust the assumptions?
Open the Home Payment Atlas calculator to set your own down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, and PMI.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-08). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-08. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.