New analysis reveals climbing income requirements for securing a home.
Select cities demand salaries surpassing $250,000 for viable purchases.
Other areas enable buying on incomes below the national average.

Prospective US homebuyers confront some of the toughest market dynamics in history. Many turn to unconventional tactics - such as tiny houses in costly areas, moving back with relatives, or blending these approaches.

Numerous buyers have relocated across the country - or overseas - chasing more manageable costs.

The South attracted significant migration from the North for cheaper housing and living expenses. The Midwest has also emerged as a prime spot for its increasing value.

Earnings heavily determine feasible locations. Consumer Affairs research highlights a disconnect between required salaries for home buys and typical US pay.

The 2024 national median household income reached $83,730, per US Census Bureau figures. Yet Consumer Affairs calculates $120,796 annually for homeownership with a 10% down payment. Figures shift by region.

Nine of the 10 costliest cities lie in California. Budget-friendly ones spread across the South and Midwest.

Review cities needing the top and bottom salaries for home purchases.

10. Macon, Georgia

Required income: $67,832

Median home price: $197,500

Population: 157,056 (Macon-Bibb County)

9. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Required income: $67,064

Median home price: $196,000

Population: 90,507

8. Columbus, Georgia

Required income: $66,245

Median home price: $210,000

Population: 201,830

7. Mobile, Alabama

Required income: $66,241

Median home price: $232,250

Population: 201,367

6. Binghamton, New York

Required income: $65,989

Median home price: $175,000

Population: 46,773

5. Peoria, Illinois

Required income: $65,486

Median home price: $145,900

Population: 111,696

4. Flint, Michigan

Required income: $63,535

Median home price: $50,000

Population: 79,735

3. Shreveport, Louisiana

Required income: $63,030

Median home price: $185,000

Population: 176,578

2. Youngstown, Ohio

Required income: $59,433

Median home price: $90,000

Population: 59,123

1. Huntington, West Virginia

Required income: $53,650

Median home price: $144,450

Population: 44,942

10. Honolulu, HI

Required income: $255,280

Median home price: $605,000

Population: 344,967

9. Salinas, CA

Required income: $262,403

Median home price: $699,000

Population: 160,783

8. Oxnard, CA

Required income: $276,805

Median home price: $797,500

Population: 200,616

7. San Luis Obispo, CA

Required income: $280,591

Median home price: $1,102,500

Population: 49,729

6. San Diego, CA

Required income: $293,618

Median home price: $950,000

Population: 1,404,452

5. Los Angeles, CA

Required income: $301,221

Median home price: $1,025,000

Population: 3,878,704

4. Santa Maria, CA

Required income: $305,535

Median home price: $617,500

Population: 111,346