This map shows the median home price by state

Whether you want to buy a house in the state where you currently live or are moving to a new state, you’re probably wondering how much a home will cost. The median home price, which represents the middle point in a set of numbers, gives you an idea of what’s typical for that area. This knowledge can help you decide how much house you can afford, the amount needed for a down payment, and more.

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The Redfin Monthly Housing Market Data reports a national median sale price of $466,396 for single-family homes as of July 2025, the most recent data available at the time of publication. This number is slightly lower than in June, but still significantly higher than prices in the pre-pandemic housing market.

“Prices remain at record highs,” said Chad D. Cummings, attorney and CEO of Cummings & Cummings Law, via email. “A big reason is that many owners are ‘locked in’ with ultra-low rates from prior years and are reluctant to sell, keeping inventory down and prices up despite softer demand.”

Understanding the national median home price makes it more apparent which states have hot housing markets and which may be more affordable.

Dig deeper: When will housing prices drop?

Home prices vary by city, county, and neighborhood within individual states. Still, these medians should give you a solid idea of what to expect when buying a house.

Although the above map helps give perspective, sometimes, a simple table is easier to follow.

Although technically not a state, Washington, D.C., has the highest median home sale price, followed by Hawaii. Residents in California and Massachusetts can also expect home values above $700,000 — well over the national median of $466,936.

“These areas have many high-paying jobs but face chronic housing shortages and land constraints, driving prices up,” noted Cummings. “Buying a home in places like coastal California or the Boston area remains a major hurdle for middle-class families.”

West Virginia has the lowest median home sale price at $252,100, trailing behind Louisiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, all of which have a median under $270,000.

“These markets have slower population growth and plenty of land, keeping housing costs down,” said Cummings. “Homeownership is more attainable there. However, these ultra-affordable states are starting to draw remote workers and retirees from pricier regions, which could gradually push up prices over time.”

Read more: The average mortgage rates by state

Whether you’re buying in a market with home prices on the higher or lower end, there are steps you can take to minimize your homebuying costs.

• Mind your credit score: Mortgage lenders often reward a higher credit score and positive credit history with a lower interest rate.

• Compare multiple mortgage offers: Apply for preapproval with several mortgage lenders to compare rates, loan fees, and repayment terms.

• Think through the down payment: A higher down payment means borrowing less and paying less in interest. Plus, putting at least 20% down on a conventional loan means you won’t pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

• Budget for closing costs: Save ahead of time for closing costs, which usually total 2% to 5% of the loan value. Some lenders allow you to roll closing costs into your mortgage principal if you can’t afford to pay them up front — but you’ll pay interest on this added balance, so paying them on closing day is preferable.

The median home price refers to the middle point in a set of numbers, so approximately half of the values are higher and half are lower. The average, on the other hand, is the total of all home values divided by the number of homes. The median is often considered a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to pay because it’s not influenced by outliers — homes with values significantly higher or lower than others. These outliers have a more significant impact on the average home value.

According to Redfin’s July 2025 data, West Virginia has the lowest median home price, followed by Louisiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

Although technically not a state, Washington, D.C., has the highest median home sale price. It’s significantly higher than Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts, which also have home prices over $700,000.

Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article.