Where Home Prices Sit Furthest Below the National Median
The national median sales price reached $460,000 in June 2026, according to the REMAX National Housing Report. In a long list of major metros, however, the typical home costs $100,000 to $200,000 less than that. The rankings below draw on metro-level median sales prices from the REMAX National Housing Report, using May 2026 figures, the most recent complete metro data, along with June updates where the report published them.
Key Takeaways
- Cleveland, OH and Wichita, KS tied for the lowest median sales price among major metros at $260,000, roughly $200,000 below the June national median.
- Ten major metros posted median prices under $330,000.
- Affordable does not always mean easy. Cleveland, Cincinnati and St. Louis homes sold in about a month or less at or above list price.
- San Antonio and New Orleans combined low prices with the most negotiating room, with months’ supply near five or higher.
- Pittsburgh posted one of the biggest annual price gains in the June report even while staying under $300,000.
The 10 Most Affordable Major Housing Markets
1. Cleveland, OH – $260,000 (tie)
Cleveland tied for the lowest median sales price in the report at $260,000. Low prices did not slow demand. Homes sold in an average of 25 days at 100% of list price, with just 1.3 months’ supply of inventory.
2. Wichita, KS – $260,000 (tie)
Wichita matched Cleveland at $260,000 with a somewhat calmer pace. Homes averaged 40 days on market with 2.0 months’ supply and a 99% close-to-list ratio, a calmer pace than most other low-priced metros in the report posted.
3. Pittsburgh, PA – $290,000
Pittsburgh’s June 2026 median of $290,000 was up 6.4% from a year earlier, one of the five biggest annual gains in the June report. New listings also jumped 13.8% year over year in June, tied for the third largest increase among the metros surveyed, which added fresh options in one of the country’s most affordable major markets.
4. New Orleans, LA – $300,000
New Orleans paired a $300,000 median with some of the most buyer-friendly conditions in the report: 4.9 months’ supply, 61 average days on market and a 97% close-to-list ratio. Few metros in the report combined affordability with that much supply.
5. Detroit, MI – $305,000
Detroit’s $305,000 median came with serious momentum. The metro led the entire June report in annual sales growth, with closed transactions up 26.1% from June 2025. Homes sold in about 28 days with 1.8 months’ supply.
6. St. Louis, MO – $307,250
St. Louis posted a $307,250 median and a 101% close-to-list ratio, meaning the typical home sold above asking. With 34 average days on market and 1.3 months’ supply, listings moved quickly.
7. San Antonio, TX – $310,950
San Antonio offered the most leverage of any affordable metro. In June, homes averaged 86 days on market, the longest in the report, with 5.5 months’ supply, the second highest. A $310,950 median plus a 97% close-to-list ratio completed the most buyer-leaning data profile among the affordable metros.
8. Des Moines, IA – $315,000
Des Moines combined a $315,000 median with a supply boost. New listings rose 16.2% year over year in June, the second biggest increase in the report. Homes averaged 56 days on market with 2.6 months’ supply.
9. Indianapolis, IN – $324,945
Indianapolis came in at $324,945 with 36 average days on market, 1.7 months’ supply and a 99% close-to-list ratio, a balanced picture that leans slightly toward sellers.
10. Cincinnati, OH – $328,798
Cincinnati rounded out the list at $328,798 and ranked among the fastest markets anywhere. Homes sold in 24 days on average in June, one of the five quickest paces in the report, at 100% of list price with 1.3 months’ supply. Affordable, yes. Slow, no.
What Affordable Markets Have in Common
Two patterns stood out. First, the most affordable metros clustered in the Midwest and South, where median prices ran 30% to 45% below the national figure. Second, low prices came with fast competition. Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Detroit all posted less than two months’ supply, and several closed at or above asking. The exceptions were San Antonio and New Orleans, where higher supply gave buyers more room. Price alone never tells the whole story, which is why an agent with local market knowledge matters as much in a $260,000 market as in a $1 million one.
Ready to see what your budget buys? Connect with a REMAX agent or browse listings in these markets. For the full national picture, read the latest U.S. Housing Market Recap.
Affordable Housing Markets FAQ
What is the most affordable major housing market in 2026?
Cleveland, OH and Wichita, KS tied for the lowest median sales price among major metros in the REMAX National Housing Report at $260,000, based on May 2026 data, roughly $200,000 below the June 2026 national median of $460,000.
Which affordable markets give buyers the most negotiating power?
San Antonio, TX and New Orleans, LA. San Antonio posted 5.5 months’ supply and 86 average days on market in June 2026, while New Orleans showed 4.9 months’ supply, and both closed near 97% of list price.
Which affordable markets are the most competitive?
Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Detroit. Each posted less than two months’ supply, homes sold in roughly a month or less and closing prices ran at or above list.
How do these prices compare with the national median?
The national median sales price was $460,000 in June 2026. The ten most affordable major metros ranged from $260,000 to about $329,000, between $130,000 and $200,000 below the national figure.
