America's Cheapest Cities to Buy a Home Revealed – Where Just a $65,000 Yearly Income Works

Imagine this. You are 30. You work hard. You save. You dream of a front door with your name on it. But every year, that dream slips further away.

In large coastal cities, even two decent salaries barely cover rent. Owning a home feels impossible. Yet, in parts of the US far from the glare of coastal boom towns, that dream remains alive. Realtor.com's latest data reveals the 10 least expensive cities where a household earning just $65,000 to $85,000 a year can afford to buy a home without living on bread and water.

In a world where housing costs dominate headlines, these cities offer breathing space. They offer hope. They offer a chance to put down roots.

1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A Surprise Leader

Pittsburgh ranks at the top of the list. Once known solely as a gritty steel city, it is now surprisingly affordable. For instance, a typical home in Pittsburgh is listed at $245,000, which translates into a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,630 based on current interest rates.

To afford this payment, a household would need to earn about $65,000 per year. For many middle-income families, $65,000 is a realistic and achievable income. It allows children to grow up with the security of their own home.

Housing in Pittsburgh isn't just affordable in declining neighbourhoods. The city boasts world-class hospitals and some of the best graduate schools in the country, with universities making significant advances. It is a city that has reinvented itself while still retaining its roots.

2. Cleveland, Ohio – A Balanced Market

Cleveland comes in second. The median home price is approximately $250,000. Earning about $66,500 a year will make monthly mortgage payments manageable.

The city offers a variety of neighbourhoods, from established areas to newly developed districts. When choices abound, the risk of the market overheating diminishes.

Lower housing costs also attract more local job opportunities in healthcare, education, and industry. This helps keep the cost of living relatively low, enabling families to get more for their money.

3. Detroit, Michigan – A Comeback Story

Detroit's inclusion highlights its resilience. Once considered 'done', the city today offers homes at an average price of $255,000. The average household income is around $68,000, making homeownership feasible and supporting a decent standard of living.

Affordable homes in Detroit are not just accessible locally; buyers from higher-cost areas are increasingly looking to purchase there, viewing it as a viable option for homeownership. Nonetheless, the city's growth remains measured enough to keep prices relatively stable.

Other Affordable Strongholds

Beyond these three cities, several other places demonstrate that affordability remains alive in America:

• Buffalo, New York: Median prices of around $260,000 with incomes near $69,000.
• St Louis, Missouri: Homes near $292,000, equiring about $77,000.
• Birmingham, Alabama: Typical price about $298,500 with incomes close to $79,000.
• Louisville, Kentucky: House prices at $309,900, affordable for roughly $82,000 a year.
• Indianapolis, Indiana: Three-bedroom homes at $315,000, requiring about $84,000.
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Similar figures to Indianapolis, with roughly $84,000 needed.
• Memphis, Tennessee: Homes at around $319,000, needing about $85,000.

Across these cities, monthly mortgage payments rarely exceed $2,100, even with today's elevated interest rates. For families living on a single solid income, that difference can be significant.