10 States Where You Can Save for a Home Down Payment Faster in 2025–2026

Saving for a house feels impossible in some states, but much more doable in others.

A new ConsumerAffairs study looked at how long it takes to save a 10% down payment in every state, comparing median income, home prices, taxes, and basic living costs.

The findings? While some states require decades of saving (California tops 25 years), others make homeownership far more realistic. Iowa ranks No. 1, with buyers needing just 8.7 years to save up.

If you're planning to buy a house, these 10 states offer the fastest path to a down payment.

Read: FREE $500 Heating Credit: How to Get Your November HEAP Benefits in New York

 

Top 10 States Where You Can Save a Home Down Payment the Fastest

1. Iowa — 8.7 years

• Median income: $75,501

• Median home price: $247,400
   

2. Ohio — 9.9 years

• Income: $72,212

• Home price: $261,700
   

3. Texas — 10.3 years

• Income: $79,721

• Home price: $339,400
   

4. Maryland — 10.3 years

• Income: $102,905

• Home price: $439,300
   

5. North Dakota — 10.6 years

• Income: $77,871

• Home price: $298,200
   

6. Kansas — 10.6 years

• Income: $75,514

• Home price: $292,600
   

7. Oklahoma — 10.7 years

• Income: $66,148

• Home price: $252,900
   

8. Illinois — 10.7 years

• Income: $83,211

• Home price: $303,300
   

9. Alaska — 10.9 years

• Income: $95,665

• Home price: $402,800
   

10. Indiana — 11.0 years

• Income: $71,959

• Home price: $276,000

 

Why These States Rank Higher

Affordability is the biggest factor.

Most of these states have home prices well below the U.S. median of $410,800, making it easier for families to save.

Median incomes in many of these states also hover around the national average of $83,730, which means buyers can put more toward savings rather than rent or bills.

Taxes and essential living costs also matter. Some states have $15,000 differences in tax burden, while basic household expenses can range from the mid-$20,000s to over $40,000 per year.

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