Whether you're thinking about buying your first home or wondering if it's time to make a move, affordability is probably top of mind. Home prices are still elevated in many areas, and while conditions have improved somewhat over the past year, finding a home that fits both your needs and your budget can still feel challenging.
The people who are making a move right now tend to have one thing in common. Instead of waiting for affordability to improve on its own, they’re actively looking for opportunities and finding ways to make their move work.
According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor when deciding where to move. As a result, more people are expanding their search and considering areas they may not have looked at before in order to find a place that better fits their budget. As PODS explains:
““. . . moving is increasingly driven by affordability, connection, and quality of life. As economic pressures persist, Americans are taking a more intentional, values-driven approach to where they choose to live.”
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It’s Not Just the Home Price – It’s the Whole Cost of Living
Here’s where things get really interesting. When people talk about moving to improve affordability, they’re not just focused on finding a less expensive home. They’re looking at the bigger picture and asking a simple question: what does it actually cost to live there day to day?
That’s exactly what WalletHub looked at by comparing housing costs to median monthly household income in every state, giving a clearer picture of where living expenses are more manageable (see map below).
Take a look at where you live on the map. The lighter the blue, the more affordable it tends to be. The darker the blue, the higher the cost of living usually is.
If your state is showing up in the darker blue, it could mean the cost of living is really stretching your budget. It might be worth looking into what a lighter blue area could look like for your finances and whether it could give you more breathing room.
If your state is on the darker blue side, it likely means the cost of living is putting more pressure on your budget. It could be worth exploring what living in a lighter blue area might mean for your overall finances and monthly expenses.
When you’re not as financially stretched, think about how much that could change things. Less stress, less worry, and more freedom and peace of mind in your day to day life.
You Don't Have To Move to Another State To Find a Better Deal
But finding a more affordable path to homeownership doesn’t always mean moving across the country. In many cases, it doesn’t even mean leaving your state, your family, or your favorite coffee spot behind.
Every market has more affordable areas that many buyers overlook. These can be neighborhoods, towns, or communities where home prices are lower, property taxes are easier to handle, and the overall cost of living simply fits your budget better.
A good local real estate agent can point you right to those kinds of places.
And if you work remotely or have some flexibility in where you live, your options open up even more. Remote work has already changed how millions of people choose where to live, and that shift isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
When you’re no longer tied to a daily commute, living in a more affordable area a little farther out suddenly becomes a very real and practical option.
Bottom Line
Affordability is definitely a challenge, but it’s not something you can’t work through. The key is staying open to places you may not have thought about before, and a local real estate agent can help you uncover those options.
Ready to see which areas are the most affordable right now? Reach out today and let’s explore your options.
