Zillow Says You Can Now Afford a $331K Home: Here’s What That Buys in Every Region
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Thinking about buying a home this year? According to Zillow, homebuyers may have a little more room in their budgets. It reported that the typical U.S. household can now afford a home worth about $331,483. That’s roughly $30,000 more than last year.
However, what that budget buys can vary widely by location. Here’s what about $331,000 can buy in every region.
Also see America’s top 10 up-and-coming housing markets for 2026.
Northeast
In the Northeast, buyers may get less house for their money.
In Philadelphia, a median-income household could afford a home worth about $346,797 in January 2026, up from $315,469 a year earlier, according to Zillow.
At that price point in Philadelphia, buyers are often looking at a rowhouse or townhouse, the city’s most common type of home.
Midwest
Homes in the Midwest often offer more space for the same budget.
In Columbus, Ohio, a median-income household could afford a home worth about $320,891 in January 2026, up from $292,086 a year earlier, according to Zillow.
Around that price point in Columbus, buyers can often find three-bedroom single-family homes with around 1,200 to 1,800 square feet.
South
A $331,000 budget may go further in many Southern markets.
In Tampa, Florida, a median-income household could afford a home worth about $300,751 in January 2026, up from $276,525 a year earlier, according to Zillow.
Listings near that price in Tampa often include three-bedroom houses with roughly 1,000 to 1,400 square feet.
West
Housing budgets often stretch less far in Western markets.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median price per square foot for new homes sold was $195.38 in the West, second only to the Northeast.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, a median-income household could afford a home worth about $354,612 in January 2026, up from $319,946 a year earlier, according to Zillow.
Listings near that price in Las Vegas often include smaller single-family homes around 1,200 to 1,600 square feet.
Location, Location, Location
Zillow’s analysis shows that while buying power has improved, where someone shops for a home still makes a big difference.
The same budget may buy a larger single-family home in some regions and a smaller property in others.
For buyers, understanding those regional differences can help set realistic expectations and guide where they search, especially as mortgage rates and housing costs continue to shape what people can afford.
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