These 22 Cities Have The Most Affordable Starter Homes On The Market Right Now

A Redfin report dated Aug. 5 finds 22 major metro areas where 100% of starter-home listings are considered affordable for median-earning households. The analysis uses median home sale prices for June, current mortgage rates, and estimated property tax payments, assuming a 15% down payment. A starter home is deemed affordable only if the monthly housing payment takes no more than 30% of household income. The study also notes that buyer-friendly concessions are at record highs and more starter homes are available compared with last year, based on July 2026 Zillow data. Examples include Pittsburgh ($41,213 income needed) and Philadelphia ($49,204).