The 10 Best States to Save for a Home Down Payment

Courtney Erdman
Published Apr 23, 2026


Saving up to buy a home can take a long time—sometimes even decades. However, a recent study by ConsumerAffairs reveals that in certain states, it’s much easier and faster to put together a down payment.

The study compared things like how much people earn, how much homes cost, taxes, and the cost of basic necessities in each state. They calculated how many years it would take to save up a 10% down payment on a house.
 

Quickest States to Save for a Down Payment


Here are the top 10 states where you can save up for a 10% down payment the fastest, along with the number of years it would take, the median household income, and the median home price:
 
  • Iowa
    • Years to save: 8.7
    • Median income: $75,501
    • Median home price: $247,400
  • Ohio
    • Years to save: 9.9
    • Median income: $72,212
    • Median home price: $261,700
  • Texas
    • Years to save: 10.3
    • Median income: $79,721
    • Median home price: $339,400
  • Maryland
    • Years to save: 10.3
    • Median income: $102,905
    • Median home price: $439,300
  • North Dakota
    • Years to save: 10.6
    • Median income: $77,871
    • Median home price: $298,200
  • Kansas
    • Years to save: 10.6
    • Median income: $75,514
    • Median home price: $292,600
  • Oklahoma
    • Years to save: 10.7
    • Median income: $66,148
    • Median home price: $252,900
  • Illinois
    • Years to save: 10.7
    • Median income: $83,211
    • Median home price: $303,300
  • Alaska
    • Years to save: 10.9
    • Median income: $95,665
    • Median home price: $402,800
  • Indiana
    • Years to save: 11.0
    • Median income: $71,959
    • Median home price: $276,000
 

What Makes It Faster To Save in These States?

 
  • Most of these states have home prices lower than the national average ($410,800).
  • In 8 out of 10 states, household incomes are about the same as the national average ($83,730). This means that lower home prices—not just high incomes—make it faster to save.
  • Taxes and basic living costs also play a big role. These costs can differ a lot between states, changing how much money people can actually save each year.
 

On Average


Across the U.S., it takes about 14.4 years to save up a 10% down payment. Iowa is the fastest (8.7 years) while California takes the longest (25.1 years).

-

Get updates on the latest articles about the housing and rental market. Click here to subscribe!

Related Articles

Stay informed with our latest articles about the housing and rental market.

How to Find Eviction Prevention Assistance in Your City...

Housing instability or a potential eviction is incredibly stressful. As individuals with needs, we shouldn't have to prioritize one necessity over another. However, times like now have shown that it's not e...

Cooling Trends: Where U.S. Home Prices Are Dropping First...

According to a recent Realtor.com analysis, sellers across the nation are adjusting asking prices as housing market activity continues to moderate heading into autumn. Nationally, the median listing price per s...

Side Hustles That Can Pay Your Rent This Month...

Rising housing costs make rent day feel overwhelming, but a reliable side hustle can help relieve that financial pressure. Here are practical, flexible ways to boost your income and cover your living expenses without burn...

The Simple Guide to Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)...

Buying a home with less than 20% down usually means paying for private mortgage insurance, or PMI. PMI is a monthly fee that protects your mortgage lender—not you—in case you default on your loan.  ...

New $20 Million Loan Fund Created to Expand Affordable Housing in Jacksonville...

A coalition of private companies and charitable organizations has launched a $20 million loan fund aimed at building more affordable apartments in Jacksonville, Florida. Named the Jackson...

Pennsylvania Issuing Automatic $100 Energy Bill Credits This Summer...

As hot summer temperatures lead to higher electricity bills, roughly 193,000 Pennsylvania households will receive an extra $100 credit toward their energy accounts. However, there is no new applicat...

Ready to start?

Stay informed with our latest articles about the housing and rental market.
Get home assistance