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 | Alabama | $119,666 | $903 | $38,700 | 100 |
| 2 | Arkansas | $112,611 | $850 | $36,429 | 100 |
| 3 | Illinois | $154,757 | $1,168 | $50,057 | 100 |
| 4 | Iowa | $129,234 | $976 | $41,829 | 100 |
| 5 | Kansas | $118,565 | $895 | $38,357 | 100 |
| 6 | Kentucky | $120,561 | $910 | $39,000 | 100 |
| 7 | Louisiana | $112,311 | $848 | $36,343 | 100 |
| 8 | Mississippi | $95,963 | $724 | $31,029 | 100 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $117,521 | $887 | $38,014 | 100 |
| 10 | West Virginia | $86,946 | $656 | $28,114 | 100 |
| 11 | Ohio | $137,776 | $1,040 | $44,571 | 97 |
| 12 | Michigan | $142,081 | $1,073 | $45,986 | 96 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $157,257 | $1,187 | $50,871 | 91 |
| 14 | Missouri | $149,702 | $1,130 | $48,429 | 85 |
| 15 | Indiana | $153,768 | $1,161 | $49,757 | 84 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $167,473 | $1,264 | $54,171 | 84 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $165,673 | $1,251 | $53,614 | 83 |
| 18 | Texas | $180,302 | $1,361 | $58,329 | 76 |
| 19 | Minnesota | $220,054 | $1,661 | $71,186 | 69 |
| 20 | Maryland | $258,547 | $1,952 | $83,657 | 68 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $169,862 | $1,282 | $54,943 | 68 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $184,541 | $1,393 | $59,700 | 68 |
| 23 | Georgia | $193,848 | $1,463 | $62,700 | 66 |
| 24 | Virginia | $239,407 | $1,807 | $77,443 | 65 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $191,477 | $1,445 | $61,929 | 61 |
| 26 | Tennessee | $187,349 | $1,414 | $60,600 | 59 |
| 27 | Alaska | $252,593 | $1,907 | $81,729 | 58 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $214,174 | $1,617 | $69,300 | 58 |
| 29 | New York | $245,211 | $1,851 | $79,329 | 56 |
| 30 | District of Columbia | $334,500 | $2,525 | $108,214 | 49 |
| 31 | Wyoming | $233,673 | $1,764 | $75,600 | 49 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $195,926 | $1,479 | $63,386 | 48 |
| 33 | Florida | $230,122 | $1,737 | $74,443 | 47 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $305,581 | $2,307 | $98,871 | 46 |
| 35 | Vermont | $254,726 | $1,923 | $82,414 | 46 |
| 36 | Delaware | $272,430 | $2,057 | $88,157 | 45 |
| 37 | Maine | $247,959 | $1,872 | $80,229 | 41 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $360,054 | $2,718 | $116,486 | 39 |
| 39 | New Hampshire | $346,835 | $2,618 | $112,200 | 38 |
| 40 | Arizona | $291,001 | $2,197 | $94,157 | 35 |
| 41 | Colorado | $351,281 | $2,652 | $113,657 | 34 |
| 42 | Montana | $277,379 | $2,094 | $89,743 | 32 |
| 43 | Washington | $385,651 | $2,911 | $124,757 | 30 |
| 44 | Nevada | $314,980 | $2,378 | $101,914 | 28 |
| 45 | Utah | $383,842 | $2,898 | $124,200 | 28 |
| 46 | Massachusetts | $429,165 | $3,240 | $138,857 | 27 |
| 47 | Oregon | $346,721 | $2,617 | $112,157 | 26 |
| 48 | Rhode Island | $381,863 | $2,883 | $123,557 | 25 |
| 49 | Idaho | $334,941 | $2,529 | $108,386 | 24 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $448,904 | $3,389 | $145,243 | 23 |
| 51 | California | $464,407 | $3,506 | $150,257 | 20 |
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-09 · 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), 2026-09; 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, 2026-09). 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), 2026-09. 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.