Housing prices have skyrocketed in recent years. The median sale price for a home in the U.S. was $420,401 in March, according to real estate website Redfin.
Fortunately, there are still some good options for buying a home without jeopardizing your financial fitness.
Check out these cities where you can get a home for less than $350,000. All home price figures are for March and come from Redfin.
Set up direct deposit - pocket $400
Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.
Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY1 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.2 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)3 <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer.
No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is well-known for getting large amounts of winter snow, which can work to your benefit if you like winter sports. You can also enjoy the city's proximity to Niagara Falls or head to the natural beauty of Upstate New York.
The median sale price for a home in Buffalo is $177,500.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
According to U.S. News & World Report, Pittsburgh is among the top 50 places to live in the U.S. and the 10th best place to retire.
The publication notes that Pittsburgh has reinvented itself after an economic downturn in the 1980s. The city has attracted more tech companies and added green spaces for professional and personal pursuits.
Pittsburgh's median home sale price is $230,000.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Speed to Indianapolis, which is the home of auto races at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The city also has several major companies' headquarters, including pharmaceutical company Lilly and restaurant Steak 'n Shake.
The median sale price for a home in Indianapolis is $240,000.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.4 <p>Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is a good option for those looking to settle west of the Mississippi River. The city offers plenty of museums and other cultural attractions.
For example, the Oklahoma Aquarium in nearby Jenks has the world's largest collection of bull sharks, among other highlights.
You can easily pick up a home in the city even if you are on a budget, with the median sale price coming in at $230,000.
Jacksonville, Florida
Florida is a magnet for retirees and others. The state's popularity has caused home prices to rise, but Jacksonville is one city where values have stayed below $350,000.
The median sale price in the city is $315,000, compared to $415,500 for the state of Florida as a whole.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
U.S. News & World Report says Green Bay is the best place to live in the U.S. The city is home to the NFL's Green Bay Packers and has a beautiful downtown and a thriving art scene.
Green Bay was also named the 16th best place for retirees in the U.S. News rankings. The median sale price for a home in the city is $250,000.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has a special culture that offers plenty of charm and beautiful architecture. The city also has a walkable historic district and green spaces to enjoy.
U.S. News & World Report says Savannah is the 37th best place to live in the U.S. The median sale price for a home in the city is right at $350,000.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha appeals to everyone from baseball fans — the city is home to the NCAA College World Series — to those proud to live in the same place as investor Warren Buffett, nicknamed the Oracle of Omaha.
Homes in Omaha sell for a median sale price of $266,500.
Des Moines, Iowa
If you move to Des Moines, the family-friendly atmosphere is a great bonus.
The city has plenty of cultural events for families to enjoy. Or, if you prefer, enjoy bike trails and parks.
Home prices are another plus of moving to the area, thanks to a median price of $210,000.
Earn $100 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Cardholders can also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Tucson, Arizona
Like Florida, Arizona has long been a popular destination for retirees. The state doesn't tax Social Security and only partially taxes income from public or private pensions.
Save money by getting a house in Tucson, where the median sale price is $337,000. Compare that to Phoenix, where the median sale price is $459,000.
Bottom line
Many houses are expensive today, but there are still places where you can buy your dream home and get ahead financially at the same time.
Shop around for the best mortgage rates to increase your savings. This could save you thousands of dollars in costs over the life of a home loan.
Up To 5% Cash Back
on Issuer's secure website Intro Offer
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
The Discover it® Cash Back is ideal for anyone who loves flexible rewards options.
Cardholders can redeem their cash back for any amount.
Earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, along with 1% cash back on all purchases. Categories may include places like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Subscribe Today
Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses
From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.
Add Us On Google