The 10 Most Expensive States to Buy a House in the U.S., Ranked
Coastal states lead the way – with a few surprising exceptions
Housing is increasingly unaffordable for many Americans. House prices have risen for months on end, and mortgage rates are still well above pandemic-era lows, pushing housing payments to near-record levels. Wages haven’t kept up, either, leading to a major affordability gap and pushing more people into a costly rental market. By many metrics, housing has never been more out of reach. A supply shortage is the primary culprit.
Rising living expenses were a major reason why people flocked to more affordable parts of the country during the pandemic. Areas in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and the Rust Belt blossomed, while coastal cities saw population declines.
Although this trend has mostly normalized today, it leaves us with an important question: in a market where so many are seeking affordability, where are homes still the most expensive? What are the most expensive states to buy a house? Whether you’re looking for something expensive or want to know which states to avoid, this Redfin article is for you.
U.S. housing market at a glance
| Median sale price:
$428,000 |
Median household income:
$78,538 |
Median monthly housing payment: $1,902 |
The 10 most expensive states to buy a house
1. California
- Median sale price: $785,000
- Median household income: $96,334
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,865
California is the most expensive state to buy a house in the U.S. High house prices – driven by a major supply shortage – paired with high monthly payments, gas costs, and taxes make it an expensive place to live. The state’s median household income is also high but often insufficient to comfortably afford housing. It’s no wonder a large share of Californians are cost-burdened.
California is home to seven of the ten most expensive cities in the country, mostly located in the Bay Area and SoCal. Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco are among the priciest. Importantly, climate risks and insurance struggles are playing a growing role in daily life, with home insurance becoming more expensive or even unavailable for many California homeowners.
That said, the Golden State remains a dreamlike place to call home. With more than 3,400 miles of protected coastline, world-famous national parks, and wildly diverse climates, California offers an unrivaled blend of outdoor adventure, economic opportunity, and community. The most affordable cities in California are Porterville and Tulare.
California homes for sale | California houses for rent | California apartments for rent
2. Hawaii
- Median sale price: $779,000
- Median household income: $98,317
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,863
Known for its idyllic beaches, volcanic landscapes, and Native culture, Hawaii is often considered paradise on earth. The weather is wonderful, residents are friendly, and amenities are plentiful. People love the diversity and way of life across its six major islands. However, this paradise comes at a steep cost.
Hawaii is the second-most expensive state to buy a house in the U.S. Unlike California, where some cities remain affordable, Hawaii is consistently expensive across its many islands – especially in O’ahu, home to Honolulu. Hawaii’s only town with house prices near the national median is Waianae.
Beyond housing, Hawaii’s cost of living is among the highest in the U.S. The price of utilities (especially electricity) and everyday goods are the highest in the nation. Pair that with low wages and a tourist-heavy economy that makes it unaffordable for many locals to live there, and Hawaii seems even more expensive. In short, while buying a home is expensive in Hawaii, living there could cost even more.
Hawaii homes for sale | Hawaii houses for rent | Hawaii apartments for rent
3. Massachusetts
- Median sale price: $622,000
- Median household income: $101,341
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,659
Massachusetts is rich with history and East Coast personality, home to thriving tech industries, renowned higher-ed, and stunning coastlines. Just be ready to shell out for the privilege of living in the Bay State; its walkable cities and high paying jobs come at a price. House prices are the third-highest in the country, with many cities passing the million dollar mark.
Boston isn’t even the most expensive city; surrounding suburbs and smaller towns actually come with the heftiest price tags. Edgartown, West Tisbury, and Duxbury, coastal respites, are the most expensive places in Massachusetts. If you’re looking for affordability, cities like Springfield and New Bedford are your best bet.
Add in high taxes and energy costs, and your wallet might feel the squeeze. There are efforts to improve access to affordable housing statewide, which may help those struggling to enter the market.
Massachusetts homes for sale | Massachusetts houses for rent | Massachusetts apartments for rent
4. Colorado
- Median sale price: $607,000
- Median household income: $92,470
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,231
Colorado, the Mile High State home to 300 days of sunshine, is the fourth-most expensive U.S. state. A diverse mix of mountain vistas, raging rivers, hip cities, and industrial towns makes it a great place to live.
Despite little population growth in recent years, demand still outpaces supply, driving prices higher. Denver’s craft beer scene is thriving, Boulder’s tech sector continues to expand, and ritzy mountain towns like Aspen and Avon regularly see some of the nation’s most expensive home sales. The most affordable cities are Pueblo and Greeley, in the flat northeast.
Colorado homes for sale | Colorado houses for rent | Colorado apartments for rent
5. Washington
- Median sale price: $606,000
- Median household income: $94,952
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,358
Washington is the fifth-most expensive state in the country to buy a house. The median house price is nearly $200,000 over the national average, and paired with relatively high taxes, living in the Evergreen State doesn’t come cheap. Seattle’s suburbs top the list of the most expensive cities, while Eastern Washington towns like Yakima are among the most affordable. Still, finding a home below the national median anywhere in Washington can be a challenge.
That’s not to say it isn’t worth it if you can afford it. Known for its iconic mountain ranges, tech scene, and legendary coffee culture, Washington uniquely combines natural beauty with big-city buzz. From the misty forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the skyscrapers of downtown Seattle, the state brims with opportunity.
Washington homes for sale | Washington houses for rent | Washington apartments for rent
6. New York
- Median sale price: $571,000
- Median household income: $84,579
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,501
New York is a famously ritzy and gritty state. Most people associate it with its namesake city – the largest in the country – but a majority of the state is actually rural. Gorgeous, forested mountains, meandering canals, large lakes, and more define the landscape, with famously industrial cities providing great places to live.
Manhattan easily leads the pack as the most expensive place to live in the Empire State, with neighborhoods like TriBeCa and SoHo commanding multimillion dollar prices. The cost of living is a remarkable 131% higher than the national average, but personalities may even outsize the budget you need to live there. Outside of NYC, high prices extend to luxury retreats like the Hamptons, as well as affluent areas in Westchester County and parts of Long Island. Meanwhile, prices drop considerably in industrial cities like Rochester and Syracuse, which are becoming popular refuges of affordability.
New York homes for sale | New York houses for rent | New York apartments for rent
7. Utah
- Median sale price: $567,000
- Median household income: $91,750
- Median monthly housing payment: $1,927
Utah might surprise you when it comes to housing costs. Thanks to a thriving job market, steady stream of new residents, stunning scenery, and long-term housing shortage, home prices here have been on a steady climb. The median sale price has risen over $220,000 in the past five years.
The Wasatch Front – highlighted by Salt Lake City – is at the center of it all, with tech companies sprouting along the “Silicon Slopes” and nearby suburbs growing rapidly. However, smaller towns close to world-class ski resorts and national parks demand the highest prices. The most expensive towns in the state are Park City and Hideout; the most affordable are Ogden and Logan.
That said, there’s plenty to love about living in the Beehive State – like easy access to the outdoors, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of universities and hip towns. If you can handle paying a premium, Utah might just be worth every penny.
Utah homes for sale | Utah houses for rent | Utah apartments for rent
8. Montana
- Median sale price: $541,000
- Median household income: $69,922
- Median monthly housing payment: $1,736
Thousands of coastal homebuyers flocked to Montana’s mountain towns during the pandemic, looking for wide open landscapes and an affordable place to live. While growth has slowed, the result has been rapidly spiking housing costs, especially in trendy, upscale cities like Bozeman and Whitefish. Statewide, house prices have risen by 55% since 2020, but in Bozeman, they have more than doubled.
Locals have struggled with the increasing costs, especially because wages haven’t kept up. According to NAR, Montana actually has the least affordable housing in the country when comparing local wages and house prices.
Still, for those who can afford to settle under Montana’s “Big Sky,” the payoff can be huge. There’s an endless supply of outdoor adventures – hiking, fishing, and skiing among them – plus a strong sense of community that’s tough to find in bigger urban hubs.
Montana homes for sale | Montana houses for rent | Montana apartments for rent
9. New Jersey
- Median sale price: $538,000
- Median household income: $101,050
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,787
New Jersey is the ninth-most expensive state to buy a house, even before factoring in its famously high property taxes. Thankfully, it also has some of the highest median wages in the country, helping offset the steep cost of living. Its proximity to NYC and Philadelphia plays a major role, with towns in northern New Jersey – such as Hoboken, Jersey City, and Montclair – commanding particularly high prices due to easy access to Manhattan. Coastal areas like Cape May and parts of the Jersey Shore also see premium home values, especially in sought-after beach communities.
That said, New Jersey can be a great place to live. The Garden State’s diverse neighborhoods – ranging from buzzing urban hubs to quiet suburbia – offer a little bit of everything. If you can handle the high cost, you’ll find a state that’s full of nature, solid career opportunities, and easy access to big-city life via a massive rail network.
New Jersey homes for sale | New Jersey houses for rent | New Jersey apartments for rent
10. Oregon
- Median sale price: $508,000
- Median household income: $80,426
- Median monthly housing payment: $2,080
Oregon is a lush state full of natural wonder, progressive culture, and down-to-earth towns. It’s probably best known for its rugged coastlines and hipster-friendly coffee shops, but it’s also one of the pricier places to settle down. The median home price sits ~$100,000 above the national average, and trendy cities like Bend have seen a $280,000 rise in prices.
Toss in a relatively high income tax (though there’s no sales tax) and you’ll find that living in the Beaver State can cost a pretty penny. The most expensive places in Oregon are Stafford and Sunriver; the most affordable towns are Medford and Springfield.
Still, plenty of folks are happy to pay for Oregon’s laid-back vibe and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking around Mount Hood, exploring the brewery scene in Bend, or enjoying a scenic drive along the Pacific coast, there’s always something stunning to experience.
Oregon homes for sale | Oregon houses for rent | Oregon apartments for rent
Complete median sale price rankings by state
| Rank | State | Median Sale Price |
| 1 | California | $785,200 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $779,000 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $622,100 |
| 4 | Colorado | $607,300 |
| 5 | Washington | $606,000 |
| 6 | New York | $571,300 |
| 7 | Utah | $566,800 |
| 8 | Montana | $540,700 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $538,300 |
| 10 | Oregon | $507,900 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $506,600 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $487,700 |
| 13 | Idaho | $480,500 |
| 14 | Nevada | $455,000 |
| 15 | Arizona | $454,600 |
| 16 | Virginia | $425,600 |
| 17 | Maine | $415,800 |
| 18 | Connecticut | $415,500 |
| 19 | Vermont | $414,400 |
| 20 | Maryland | $411,000 |
| 21 | Florida | $410,600 |
| 22 | Wyoming | $409,600 |
| 23 | Alaska | $388,700 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $383,400 |
| 25 | South Carolina | $377,600 |
| 26 | North Carolina | $367,600 |
| 27 | Georgia | $359,900 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $345,100 |
| 29 | Delaware | $343,300 |
| 30 | Minnesota | $342,400 |
| 31 | Texas | $335,600 |
| 32 | South Dakota | $317,400 |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $302,700 |
| 34 | Pennsylvania | $287,400 |
| 35 | Illinois | $284,000 |
| 36 | North Dakota | $278,800 |
| 37 | Alabama | $277,900 |
| 38 | Nebraska | $275,100 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $265,200 |
| 40 | Kansas | $262,500 |
| 41 | Arkansas | $256,100 |
| 42 | Indiana | $255,100 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $252,600 |
| 44 | Missouri | $251,900 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $249,700 |
| 46 | Michigan | $248,000 |
| 47 | West Virginia | $243,100 |
| 48 | Oklahoma | $236,700 |
| 49 | Ohio | $231,400 |
| 50 | Iowa | $227,500 |
Methodology
States were ranked by median sale prices in March 2025, according to Redfin data. Median household income and median monthly housing payment data (including mortgage) is from the U.S. Census Bureau. Cost of living data comes from Redfin and the Council for Community and Economic Research via the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Tax rates come from the Tax Foundation.
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