2026 Home Affordability Index by Major US City
The true measure of affordability isn't just the price of the house-it's the price of the house compared to what local companies pay their workers.
Below, we calculate the Housing Affordability Ratio (HAR). This ratio divides the Median Home Price by the Median Household Income. Historically, a ratio of 3.0 or less (a home costs 3 years of gross salary) was considered healthy and "Affordable." In 2026, finding a city with a ratio under 4.0 is incredibly difficult.
"Severely Unaffordable" Metros (Ratio > 8.0)
In these markets, the local median income has completely detached from real estate values. Without generational wealth, tech stock options, or moving from out of state with massive equity, a local worker earning the median salary cannot buy a home.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Median Home | Affordability Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $150,000 | $1,450,000 | 9.6x |
| Los Angeles, CA | $85,000 | $820,000 | 9.6x |
| San Diego, CA | $95,000 | $890,000 | 9.3x |
| Miami, FL | $68,000 | $590,000 | 8.6x |
Check out our California Mortgage Calculator to see how Prop 13 affects these massive CA home prices.
"Affordable" Metros (Ratio < 4.0)
These are the last bastions of the traditional middle-class dream in America. In these midwestern and rust-belt cities, housing prices have largely stayed tethered to local wages.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Median Home | Affordability Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $63,000 | $195,000 | 3.1x |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $68,000 | $215,000 | 3.1x |
| St. Louis, MO | $72,000 | $240,000 | 3.3x |
| Detroit, MI | $70,000 | $235,000 | 3.3x |
The DTI Reality Check
Regardless of the ratio in your city, no bank will approve your loan if your personal Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is too high. Generally, your total monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) cannot exceed 43% of your gross monthly income. Calculate your personal chances of approval instantly using our DTI Calculator.