The 10 Best Housing Markets if You Don’t Want to Be House Poor

In many metros, housing prices have climbed so high that some buyers can't afford to purchase a home. But other cities offer better options for those searching for affordable prices.

Real estate website Zillow says a typical household can spend less than 30% of its budget on housing in the following cities. If you're willing to relocate, these are great places to buy a home and still have enough extra cash to get ahead financially.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 19%

If you live in the city that the late PBS television star Fred Rogers called home, it could be a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Pittsburgh topped the list of affordable housing markets, according to Zillow. The average Pittsburgh home is valued at $234,530, compared to the national average of $362,481.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 22%

Move to Jackson to enjoy its culture, including a museum dedicated to the civil rights movement and different types of music performed by artists who call Mississippi home.

Housing prices in Mississippi’s state capital are on the decline after peaking in 2022 and now stand at just $68,069.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 23%

Situated in central New York state, Syracuse serves as a crossroads for education, with several universities in the city.

It was also recently announced that the northern suburbs of Syracuse will be the home of a new semiconductor chip complex, which could make the city more enticing to those looking to relocate. Housing prices stand at $196,060.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 24%

If your mental image of Ohio is one of rolling cornfields and sweeping flatlands, Toledo won’t live up to your expectations. With more than 200,000 people, it’s the biggest of the three Ohio cities on Zillow’s list.

Toledo sits alongside Lake Erie and the Maumee River, so the city has a solid water-based travel system and plenty of picturesque parks. Whether you love a kid-friendly botanical garden or an urban green space with ample room for concerts, Toledo can deliver.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 24%

The White Castle restaurant chain was founded in Wichita in 1921, but you may have to settle for a house instead of a castle if you move to this city.

The good news is that the city is one of the more affordable options for homebuyers, with an average value of $202,303.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 24%

Akron is one of three Ohio cities that earned a place on Zillow’s top 10 list.

With the money you save spending less than one-quarter of your paycheck on your mortgage, you can enjoy all the trails at the nearby Boston Mills/Brandywine ski resorts starting at $41 a day.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 25%

If you move to St. Louis, you can check out the Gateway Arch or head out to a baseball game at Busch Stadium.

The city on the banks of the Mississippi River could be a good option if you’re looking for affordable housing. The average price of a home here is $180,159.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 25%

Augusta may be best known for the Masters Tournament, which is held each April at the Augusta National Golf Course.

The city on the border with South Carolina also offers residents robust dining and shopping options, as well as outdoor activities along the Savannah River. Home prices average $176,006.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 25%

Rochester is located along the shores of Lake Ontario and offers residents plenty of culture to enjoy, including the George Eastman Museum focused on photography. You can also add the Rochester International Jazz Festival to your calendar.

The average home price in Rochester is $226,005.

Homeowner income spent on a mortgage: 26%

The Motor City has seen an increase in investment, with major projects in its downtown corridor. This includes the redevelopment of Michigan Central Station, which is slated to reopen in June after extensive renovations.

That could be a good sign for potential residents who plan to move to the city in hopes of finding an affordable home. Prices can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, but the average in the city is $74,882.

High housing prices can be intimidating if you're trying to buy your first home and need help paying your mortgage. But there are cities where it’s easier to afford a home.

Consider relocating to a city on this list that allows you to really stretch your dollars.