Flint, Michigan, ranks as the most affordable city for homebuyers in 2025, according to a new report from WalletHub. The study analyzed 300 U.S. cities based on home prices, maintenance costs, property taxes, and vacancy rates to determine affordability for prospective buyers.
Home prices rise, affordability varies
The median home price in the U.S. surged from $313,000 in Q1 2019 to $416,900 in Q1 2025. While many cities have seen significant price increases, WalletHub’s analysis shows that affordability remains within reach in select markets—particularly in the Midwest and South.
Top 10 most affordable cities
WalletHub ranked the following as the most affordable cities to buy a home in 2025:
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Surprise, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Yuma, AZ
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Indianapolis, IN
Flint tops the list with a median home price of just $61 per square foot—compared to over $1,000 in Santa Barbara, California, the least affordable city.
Least affordable cities
California dominates the bottom of the list. Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles are among the least affordable housing markets in the country. High prices, low rent-to-price ratios, and elevated property taxes contribute to their ranking.
Bottom 5 least affordable cities
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Santa Monica, CA
- Berkeley, CA
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Irvine, CA
Santa Barbara’s affordability ratio is nearly ten times worse than Flint’s, highlighting the disparity between high- and low-cost housing markets.
Why affordability matters
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, emphasized that affordability involves more than just purchase price. “You also have to consider how the average price compares to a typical income in the area, plus things like the overall cost of living and the costs of maintenance and taxes,” he said.
Cities like Flint and Detroit offer low housing costs relative to income, making them especially attractive to buyers with remote work flexibility or retirees seeking lower expenses.
Housing trends and expert insights
Experts agree that affordability is becoming increasingly crucial in homebuying decisions. Andrea J. Boyack, a law professor at the University of Missouri, noted that many affordable cities now offer improved amenities and community investment, making them more appealing than in the past.
Meanwhile, Lei Zhang, Ph.D., from Old Dominion University, predicts that markets in Texas and Florida will cool due to increased supply, while inventory-constrained areas may continue seeing mild price increases.
Interest rates could also shift later in the year. Cris de la Torre, a professor at the University of Northern Colorado, expects the Federal Reserve to begin cutting rates by July, but warns that rates under 4.5% are unlikely.
How cities can improve housing affordability
Local governments can support homebuyers by expanding zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), investing in infrastructure, and offering down-payment assistance programs. Enhancing public transportation and amenities can also increase neighborhood desirability and home values.
Key takeaways
- Flint, MI, is the most affordable U.S. city to buy a home in 2025.
- Santa Barbara, CA, is the least affordable, with prices nearly 10x higher relative to income.
- Housing affordability is influenced by more than price—cost of living, taxes, and maintenance all matter.
- Expert forecasts suggest a gradual cooling of the housing market in some areas.
📊 View the full WalletHub report: Most Affordable Cities for Home Buyers
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