11 Big Cities Where You Can Still Buy a Home on an $85K Salary

Buying a home in a major city isn’t cheap. Across the largest 50 cities in the U.S., you need an average income of $104,339 to cover the mortgage principal and other payments like interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance, according to a recent study by mortgage analytics firm HSH. At the highest end of the scale, you would need to earn $463,887 to afford the median home price in San Jose, the most expensive large city market.

But consider this — the national household median is only $74,580. Within the context of our current economic climate, it’s clear that most people are struggling to afford homeownership in America’s major metropolitan areas.

Fortunately, there are still some big cities where housing prices haven’t gone through the roof. It’s difficult to afford a house on a $75,000 salary outside the three most affordable cities on this list, so the list has been expanded to include 11 potential options for buying a home in a large city on a $85,000 salary.

The following figures come from HSH and are calculated by using home price data from the National Association of Realtors and incorporating local property tax and homeowner’s insurance costs.

• Income needed: $67,211.59
• Median home price: $225,700
• Monthly payment: $1,568.27

Cleveland is the most affordable city on this list when it comes to home prices. The median-priced home sells for around $213,000 less than the national median.

With a cost of living around 6% lower than the national average, Cleveland could be the perfect choice if you want to move to a large city on a limited budget.

• Income needed: $67,405.29
• Median home price: $236,100
• Monthly payment: $1,572.79

Pittsburgh attracts homebuyers looking for the big-city feel at a lower price point than what they’d find in places like New York and D.C. Pittsburgh was ranked No. 36 in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025. The report cited an increase in job opportunities, the amount of green space and the affordable cost of living as reasons for its high spot on the list.

• Income needed: $74,562.14
• Median home price: $262,700
• Monthly payment: $1,739.78

Oklahoma City offers an incredible mix of affordability and high quality of life. It’s ranked No. 16 in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Places to Live in the U.S., with the report citing its increasingly cosmopolitan feel and energy. With a cost of living that’s a significant 16% lower than the national average and home prices that only require an income of around $75,000, Oklahoma City might be one of the best picks for affordable cities on this list.

• Income needed: $75,483.31
• Median home price: $283,100
• Monthly payment: $1,761.28

Louisville has a lot going for it. The cost of living is 4% lower than the national average, and it’s ranked No. 42 in the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Places to Live. You’ll find plenty to do in this city when it comes to sports, art and culture. But it also means the housing market can be competitive, with the average house selling after 21 days on the market.

• Income needed: $77,335.46
• Median home price: $289,200
• Monthly payment: $1,804.49

Memphis is one of the most affordable big cities in the Southeast, with a cost of living that’s 13% lower than the national average. The city has a vibrant youth population, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

• Income needed: $78,471.24
• Median home price: $279,900
• Monthly payment: $1,831

St. Louis may be considered a big city, but as the 23rd-most populous region in the country, it won’t feel overwhelming if you don’t like big crowds. The housing market here is considered competitive despite the low median home price, with the average house selling in around 18 days.

• Income needed: $78,993.01
• Median home price: $280,700
• Monthly payment: $1,843.17

After a long period of decline, Detroit’s population is finally recording some growth. The housing market offers a mixed bag of opportunities depending on where in the city you decide to live. But with median home prices far below the national median, you can afford to carve out your own niche in a historic city that could be on the verge of a comeback.

• Income needed: $79,728.42
• Median home price: $290,500
• Monthly payment: $1,860.33

New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, but it also has a lot to offer for those looking to settle down. In terms of livability, costs are 11% higher than the national average, but you get to take advantage of all the vibrant food and cultural opportunities that make the city such an attractive location for tourists.

• Income needed: $80,124.36
• Median home price: $261,000
• Monthly payment: $1,869.57

If you like long winters, Buffalo could jump to the top of your affordable city shortlist. It has a moderate 5% lower average cost of living compared to the national average, but it’s a considerable 24% lower than the average cost of living in New York. This could be why the housing market is so competitive, with the average home receiving 11 offers and selling in under two weeks, according to Redfin data.

• Income needed: $83,566.90
• Median home price: $324,300
• Monthly payment: $1,949.89

Birmingham offers a lot of value compared to similar-sized cities when it comes to housing costs. A family earning the national median household income should have no problem finding an affordable home in this city, and the housing market isn’t particularly competitive. With more green space per capita than any city its size, Birmingham is an attractive city in terms of affordability and quality of life.

• Income needed: $83,765.39
• Median home price: $309,200
• Monthly payment: $1,954.53

Cincinnati offers a good balance between city life and relaxed, affordable living. Cincinnati boasts plenty of things to do for people of all ages, and the cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Homes in this historic city can be bought for around $130,000 less than the national median, making it a great way for first-time homebuyers to enter the market.