Redfin Ranks Most Affordable U.S. Cities for Homebuyers in 2026
A new Redfin analysis reveals that in most major U.S. cities, median earners struggle to find affordable homes. The study ranked 50 metropolitan areas by the share of listings within budget for local median-income households. Only five cities stood out as exceptions where more than half of homes were affordable: Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These markets offer relatively low prices compared to incomes, though they often face other challenges like population decline or economic shifts. The report underscores widening inequality in housing access across the country.
Key facts
- Redfin analyzed 50 U.S. metropolitan areas.
- Only five cities had more than half of listings affordable for median earners.
- The five cities are Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
- Most U.S. cities offer few affordable options for median-income households.
- The study measured share of listings within budget for local median earners.
- Affordable cities often face population decline or economic challenges.
- The report highlights growing housing inequality in the U.S.
- Data is from 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Redfin
Locations
- Detroit
- Michigan
- Cleveland
- Ohio
- St. Louis
- Missouri
- Pittsburgh
- Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —