The 10 Best States to Save for a Home Down Payment

Courtney Erdman
Published Nov 24, 2025


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.

What to Do if Your Home Loan Application Is Denied...

If you applied for a mortgage and didn’t get approved, the first thing to remember is: don’t panic. A loan denial is a setback, not a permanent "no." Many Americans face this challenge, but there...

Partial Shutdown Begins, Raising Concerns About Mortgage Delays and Flood Insurance Lapses...

Even though the U.S. Senate passed a spending bill to fund most federal agencies through September 30, 2026, a partial government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31....

Wealthfront Starts Offering Mortgages, Beginning With a Limited Rollout to Clients...

Wealthfront, a company best known for its automated investing tools (often called a “robo-advisor”), is now offering home loans. The new mortgage program is being released firs...

Quick Guide to Down Payment Assistance Programs in the USA (2026)...

Buying a house is a big dream for many people. However, saving up enough money for a down payment can be a major hurdle. The good news is that there are many programs across the country designed to help...

$500 Stimulus Payment: Who Qualifies for the Housing Stability Initiative?

A new program called the Housing Stability Initiative is helping families in the United States who are struggling with their finances. This initiative provides selected families with $500 every month...

Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 5 Years (2026–2030)...

If you’re planning to buy a home or refinance your mortgage in the next few years, you may be wondering where mortgage rates are headed. Predicting interest rates is never an exact science, but experts...

Ready to start?

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