Most Expensive Housing Markets in the US 2023 (2024)

The United States has a diverse housing market with varying prices depending on the state and region. For homebuyers, it's important to be aware of the most expensive states to buy a house. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive states for home values, according to the Zillow Home Value Index in 2023.

Top 10 Most Expensive States to Buy a House in the US

The United States has a diverse and dynamic housing market, with varying prices depending on the state and region. The top 10 most expensive states for home values, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, include Hawaii, California, the District of Columbia, Washington, Massachusetts, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, New Jersey, and Idaho.

These states offer a range of attractions for homebuyers, from natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities to strong job markets and quality of life. However, they also come with higher price tags, making it important for homebuyers to carefully consider their options and budget before making a purchase.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and breathtaking scenery. However, it is also the most expensive state to buy a house, with a Zillow Home Value Index of $834,582. The high cost of living and limited space on the islands are contributing factors to the high home values.

2. California

California is home to some of the most desirable cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $728,133, it is the second most expensive state to buy a house. The state's booming tech industry, warm climate, and stunning coastline are major attractions for homebuyers.

3. District of Columbia

The District of Columbia, also known as Washington D.C., is the capital of the United States and a hub for political activity. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $627,158, it is the third most expensive state to buy a house. The city's diverse neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and thriving job market contribute to the high home values.

4. Washington

Washington state is home to major tech companies such as Amazon and Microsoft, as well as stunning natural scenery. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $562,936, it is the fourth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's strong job market, quality of life, and outdoor recreation opportunities are major draws for homebuyers.

5. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a state rich in history, culture, and education. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $558,312, it is the fifth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's high quality of life, world-renowned universities, and strong job market contribute to the high home values.

6. Colorado

Colorado is known for its stunning Rocky Mountains, outdoor recreation opportunities, and booming tech industry. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $539,639, it is the sixth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's strong economy, natural beauty, and quality of life are major attractions for homebuyers.

7. Utah

Utah is a state with stunning national parks, a strong job market, and a growing tech industry. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $506,072, it is the seventh most expensive state to buy a house. The state's natural beauty, quality of life, and outdoor recreation opportunities are major draws for homebuyers.

8. Oregon

Oregon is known for its stunning coastline, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quality of life. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $485,474, it is the eighth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's strong economy, natural beauty, and welcoming communities are major attractions for homebuyers.

9. New Jersey

New Jersey is a state with a rich history, diverse population, and strong economy. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $451,558, it is the ninth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's proximity to major cities such as New York City and Philadelphia, as well as its strong job market and quality of life, contribute to the high home values.

10. Idaho

Idaho is a state with stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a growing tech industry. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $435,373, it is the tenth most expensive state to buy a house. The state's strong economy, low cost of living compared to other states on this list, and quality of life are major draws for homebuyers.

Top 10 Most Expensive Counties to Buy a House in the US

In addition to the most expensive states for home values, the United States also has counties that boast some of the highest home prices in the country. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive counties to buy a house in the US, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

1. Nantucket County, Massachusetts

Nantucket County, located in Massachusetts, has a Zillow Home Value Index of $2,545,939, making it the most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. This scenic island off the coast of Cape Cod is a popular vacation spot known for its historic architecture, beaches, and charming small-town vibe.

2. Pitkin County, Colorado

Pitkin County, located in Colorado, is home to the world-famous ski resort town of Aspen. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $2,003,223, it is the second most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's natural beauty, world-class skiing, and luxury amenities attract affluent homebuyers from around the world.

3. Teton County, Wyoming

Teton County, located in Wyoming, is home to the stunning Grand Teton National Park and the upscale ski resort town of Jackson Hole. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,644,961, it is the third most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and low tax rates are major attractions for wealthy homebuyers.

4. San Mateo County, California

San Mateo County, located in California, is part of the San Francisco Bay Area and is home to major tech companies such as Facebook and Oracle. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,497,976, it is the fourth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's strong job market, mild climate, and proximity to San Francisco make it a desirable location for affluent homebuyers.

5. Santa Clara County, California

Santa Clara County, also located in California's Bay Area, is home to Silicon Valley and major tech companies such as Apple and Google. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,462,347, it is the fifth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's thriving tech industry, diverse population, and excellent schools attract affluent homebuyers from around the world.

6. Marin County, California

Marin County, located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, is known for its natural beauty, charming small towns, and affluent residents. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,416,752, it is the sixth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's proximity to San Francisco, mild climate, and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a desirable location for wealthy homebuyers.

7. Dukes County, Massachusetts

Dukes County, located in Massachusetts, is comprised of the island towns of Martha's Vineyard and Gosnold. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,378,540, it is the seventh most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's scenic beauty, historic charm, and relaxed way of life are major attractions for affluent homebuyers.

8. San Miguel County, Colorado

San Miguel County, located in Colorado, is home to the picturesque mountain towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,356,052, it is the eighth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's world-class skiing, stunning mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a popular destination for wealthy homebuyers.

9. San Francisco County, California

San Francisco County, located in northern California, is known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,277,114, it is the ninth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's strong job market, thriving tech industry, and urban amenities make it a desirable location for affluent homebuyers.

10. New York County, New York

New York County, commonly known as Manhattan, is the most densely populated borough of New York City and is known for its iconic skyscrapers, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $1,146,577, it is the tenth most expensive county to buy a house in the United States. The county's status as a global hub for finance, culture, and entertainment makes it a highly desirable location for wealthy homebuyers.

Source:

  • https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
Most Expensive Housing Markets in the US 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Most Expensive Housing Markets in the US 2023? ›

As per the ECA International's Cost of Living Rankings 2023, New York City is the world's most expensive city to live in as an expat. The rising cost of rented properties and inflation are the primary factors behind New York City topping ECA International's latest Cost of Living Rankings.

What is the most expensive state to buy a house in 2023? ›

Top 10 Most Expensive States To Live In
  • Alaska. ...
  • Massachusetts. Median Sold Price: $522,870. ...
  • Oregon. Median Sold Price: $457,735. ...
  • New Hampshire. Median Sold Price: $363,106. ...
  • Vermont. Median Sold Price: $306,433. ...
  • Washington. Median Sold Price: $532,276. ...
  • New York. Median Sold Price: $358,042. ...
  • Connecticut. Median Sold Price: $314,903.
May 24, 2023

What is the most expensive place to live 2023? ›

As per the ECA International's Cost of Living Rankings 2023, New York City is the world's most expensive city to live in as an expat. The rising cost of rented properties and inflation are the primary factors behind New York City topping ECA International's latest Cost of Living Rankings.

What will happen to the US housing market in 2023? ›

According to the CoreLogic HPI Forecast, home prices are projected to continue their upward trajectory. The forecast indicates an expected month-over-month increase of 0.8% from March 2023 to April 2023 and a year-over-year increase of 4.6% from March 2023 to March 2024.

Is 2023 good year to buy a house? ›

The first reason why June 2023 is an excellent time to buy a house is that mortgage rates are falling back into the 6s and are likely to hold. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates averaged 6.57 percent to open the month, and dropped 0.375 percentage points when Congress reached a budget deal.

What is the cheapest state to live in 2023? ›

1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average.

What state to move in 2023? ›

One of the most popular states to move to in 2023 is Texas, and for good reason. This state boasts an impressive job market since it is home to many tech companies, startups, and artistic hubs.

What's the most expensive city to live in the U.S in 2023? ›

Soaring inflation and rising accommodation costs were cited as reasons for New York topping ECA International's Cost of Living Rankings for 2023, while Geneva and London remained in third and fourth places. Lower Manhattan in New York.

Where is best to live in 2023? ›

Best Countries to Live in 2023
  • Best Quality of Life: Top 10 Countries.
  • New Zealand.
  • Australia.
  • Netherlands.
  • Germany.
  • Finland.
  • Norway.
  • Switzerland.
May 8, 2023

Will everything be cheaper in 2023? ›

Key points. Inflation seems to be slowing, and some things could start to get cheaper in 2023. The cost of real estate, rental, cars, and gas could fall, at least a little. Don't get too excited about potential price drops, as there's still a lot of uncertainty about the economy.

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a house? ›

With mortgage rates declining faster than expected, home prices are likely to remain mostly flat throughout 2024. This will be good news for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for a good time to enter the market.

Is the US headed for a housing crisis in 2023? ›

It's also worth noting that while foreclosure rates are up year-over-year, experts do not expect to see a wave of foreclosures in 2023, even where home values are depreciating, as many homeowners have substantial equity due to progressive home price appreciation in recent years.

Will 2023 recession affect housing market? ›

Fannie Mae expects U.S. home prices to fall -1.2% between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, and then another -2.2% between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.

Why buying real estate in 2023 could be a good idea? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Chief Economist at First American Financial Corp, Mark Fleming, says an interest rate drop may not happen for several months. "Possibly in 2024, but it will depend on the Fed's decisions about raising rates in the second half of the year," says Fleming.

Should I buy a car now or wait until 2023? ›

Americans planning to shop for a new car in 2023 might find slightly better prices than during the past two years, though auto industry analysts say it is likely better to wait until the fall. Since mid-2021, car buyers have been frustrated by rising prices, skimpy selection and long waits for deliveries.

What state has the best income to cost of living ratio? ›

Mississippi is the state with the lowest cost of living in the US, with a cost of living index of 85. This means that the cost of living in Mississippi is 15% lower than the national average. The state has a low cost of housing, groceries, and utilities.

What are the three most affordable states to live in? ›

The three cheapest states to move to in terms of housing costs are: West Virginia, with an average price of $123,000; Mississippi, with an average price of $125,000; and Arkansas, with an average house price of 133,600. You can view the 10 cheapest states to move to below.

What city in the US has the lowest cost of living? ›

In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.

What states are people leaving the most? ›

Top states residents are leaving

The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming. The full list is below.

Which US state has best quality of life? ›

“We realized no one had done a comprehensive quality-of-life comparison between states; other studies made comparisons across countries only.” Massachusetts and Minnesota were the two states with the highest living standards in the U.S., according to the study.

What state is everyone moving to? ›

The states that attracted the most new residents in 2022 are Florida, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina, followed by other states in the South and West.

Which state is estimated as the most expensive for living? ›

1. Hawaii. Hawaii is truly a paradise, but it is also the most expensive state in America to live in. The cost of living in Hawaii overall is 86% higher than the national average, and the cost of housing in Hawaii is a jaw-dropping 207% above the national average.

What US city has the highest cost of living? ›

1. Manhattan, New York
  • Overall cost of living: 127.7% above U.S. average.
  • Median household income: $70,663.
  • Average home price: $2,434,977.
  • Average monthly rent: $4,569.
  • Unemployment rate: 4.3%
  • Poverty rate: 17%
  • Cost of a half-gallon of milk: $3.04.
Feb 3, 2023

What are the most expensive cities 2023? ›

London retains position as the fourth most expensive city in the world
LocationCountry2023 global ranking
New YorkUnited States of America1
Hong KongHong Kong2
GenevaSwitzerland3
LondonUnited Kingdom4
16 more rows
3 days ago

What is the fastest growing city 2023? ›

Georgetown, Texas: The Fastest-Growing City in the Nation

With an impressive growth rate, Georgetown leads all cities and towns with a population of at least 50,000.

Where not to go in 2023? ›

World's most dangerous destinations for 2023
  • Venezuela (83,76)
  • Papua New Guinea (80.79)
  • South Africa (76,86)
  • Afghanistan (76,31)
  • Honduras (74.54)
  • Trinidad & Tobago (71.63)
  • Guyana (68,74)
  • El Salvador (67,79)
Jan 31, 2023

Where is the highest quality of life? ›

According to the Human Development Index, some countries provide a better quality of life than others. The Human Development Index (HDI) is calculated based on three main factors: life expectancy, education, and per capita income. In 2021, Switzerland was ranked first in the HDI, followed closely by Norway and Iceland.

Will food prices go down in 2023? ›

Food prices are projected to rise in 2023, albeit at a slower pace than they did in 2022, according to the USDA.

Will inflation slow down in 2023? ›

While it's widely expected that the inflation rate will continue to decline throughout 2023, it's not yet clear when it might drop to the Federal Reserve's target rate of 2%, if at all.

What will 2023 look like financially? ›

In 2023, economic activity is projected to stagnate, with rising unemployment and falling inflation. Interest rates are projected to remain high initially and then gradually decrease in the next few years as inflation continues to slow.

Will mortgage interest rates go down in 2023? ›

We expect that 30-year mortgage rates will end 2023 at 5.2%,” the organization noted in its forecast commentary. It since has walked back its forecast slightly but still sees rates dipping below 6%, to 5.6%, by the end of the year.

What age should I buy a house? ›

Key Takeaways. The best age to buy is when you can comfortably afford the payments, tackle any unexpected repairs, and live in the home long enough to cover the costs of buying and selling a home. Legally, you must be at least 18 in most states to buy a home.

Is it a good idea to pay off your house? ›

Paying off your mortgage early can save you a lot of money in the long run. Even a small extra monthly payment can allow you to own your home sooner. Make sure you have an emergency fund before you put your money toward your loan.

What happens to my mortgage if the housing market crashes? ›

What happens to my mortgage if the housing market crashes? A housing market crash won't affect your existing fixed-rate mortgage. However, if the value of your home drops below your purchase price, then you'll be making payments that are greater than the worth of your property.

What are the real estate challenges in 2023? ›

Top 10 Issues Affecting Real Estate 2022-2023
  • Inflation and Interest Rates.
  • Geopolitical Risk.
  • Hybrid Work.
  • Supply Chain Disruption.
  • Energy.
  • Labor Shortage Strain.
  • The Great Housing Imbalance.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty.

What causes housing market to crash? ›

A downturn in general economic activity leads to less disposable income, job losses, and fewer job openings, which decreases the demand for housing. A recession is particularly dangerous. Demand is exhausted, bringing supply and demand into equilibrium and slowing the rapid pace of home price appreciation.

Will housing prices drop after recession? ›

However, believe it or not, home prices usually tend to drop in a recession. But they don't always decline in every downturn. Home prices dropped four out of five times in the last five recessions. They usually fall at an average of 5% each year the economy remains in a recession.

What will mortgage rates look like in 2024? ›

Mortgage Interest Rate predictions for September 2024. Maximum interest rate 5.76%, minimum 5.42%. The average for the month 5.61%. The 30-Year Mortgage Rate forecast at the end of the month 5.59%.

Will home prices drop in 2023 Florida? ›

Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth. However, the market may begin to stabilize as the growth rate slows down, which may lead to more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers.

Should you flip a house in 2023? ›

Is House Flipping Profitable in 2023? Yes! If you get the basics right, flipping homes in California is easier in 2023 than flipping homes in 2021's competitive market. You Make Money When You Buy Your Flip: Stick to the home flipper's 70% rule.

Is it better to invest in real estate or the stock market? ›

If you're looking for a long-term investment, real estate may be the better option. There are no guarantees, but real estate tends to appreciate in value over time. If you're looking for a more passive investment, stocks may be the way to go.

Is real estate a good investment during inflation? ›

Economic factors, such as inflation, have a direct impact on the real estate market. As with other goods and services, real estate prices may rise alongside inflation. This is due to the fact that real estate is commonly considered a safe and stable investment that can be used to combat the effects of inflation.

How long will rates stay high? ›

Economists have long expected the Fed would likely stop raising interest rates at some point in 2023, but “where” rates peak — a level known as the “terminal” rate — is actually more important than “when.”

Where will mortgage rates be in 5 years? ›

Mortgage Interest Rate Projected Forecast 2026
MonthLow-HighClose
Mar-202616.30-17.3016.8
Apr-202616.11-17.1116.61
May-202616.40-17.4216.91
Jun-202616.28-17.2816.78
7 more rows
Apr 5, 2023

How high will mortgage interest rates go in 2023? ›

“[W]ith the rate of inflation decelerating rates should gently decline over the course of 2023.” Fannie Mae. 30-year fixed rate mortgage will average 6.4% for Q2 2023, according to the May Housing Forecast. National Association of Realtors (NAR).

What is the most common car in America? ›

Most Popular Cars in America
  • Most Popular Cars in the USA in 2022. ...
  • Toyota Corolla. ...
  • Ford F-Series. ...
  • Volkswagen Golf. ...
  • Volkswagen Beetle. ...
  • Ford Escort. ...
  • Honda Civic. ...
  • Ford Model T.

Is it smart to buy a car at the end of the year? ›

The best time to buy a car is usually around the end of the year since salespeople will be trying to meet their quotas and may offer steep discounts. However, you should also consider holidays — like Black Friday — and the beginning of the week.

What is the best month to buy a car? ›

If you're shopping for a used car, the early months of the year — January and February — are a good time to ship. You may see more vehicles on the market then as people sell their old vehicles after buying new ones over the holidays. That increased supply can lower prices, making it a good time to buy.

What states are most expensive to buy a home? ›

Top 10 Most Expensive States to Buy a House in the US

The top 10 most expensive states for home values, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, include Hawaii, California, the District of Columbia, Washington, Massachusetts, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, New Jersey, and Idaho.

What is the best state in 2023? ›

The latest edition of the Best States rankings project finds a new No. 1 and a strong showing from the West and Midwest in the top 10. Utah has taken the No.

What state has the highest housing cost? ›

Hawaii. Hawaii is truly a paradise, but it is also the most expensive state in America to live in. The cost of living in Hawaii overall is 86% higher than the national average, and the cost of housing in Hawaii is a jaw-dropping 207% above the national average.

What is the average US home price in 2023? ›

Average home price in the United States: $436,800

The median home sales price is $436,800 as of the first quarter of 2023. That's a 32% increase from 2020, when the median was $329,000.

What state has the most unaffordable housing? ›

According to worldpopulationreview.com, Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in, with its housing costing three times the national average. New York and California rank as the second and third most expensive states in which to live, respectively.

What state is least affordable to live in? ›

Hawaii and California are the LEAST affordable places to live in the U.S as incomes fail to keep up with soaring property prices.

What is the best state to live in to buy a house? ›

10 best states for first-time homebuyers plus key factors
RankState1-year home price change: 2021–2022
1Pennsylvania4.1%
2North Carolina10.1%
3Utah5.8%
4Kentucky7.2%
6 more rows
Mar 2, 2023

What state is best for starting over? ›

St Louis, Missouri is the top-rated city in the U.S. for people looking to start over. New York City is the most difficult city to move to for a fresh start. Hartford, Connecticut has the best social scene score. Birmingham, Alabama has the best cost of living score compared to other cities we studied.

What is the richest state in USA 2023? ›

1. California

California, the nation's most populous state, has the largest state GDP of $3,599,103,000,000. California's median household income is $78,672, the seventh-highest in the U.S.

Which city has the most unaffordable housing? ›

All the cities on this graphic are classified as severely unaffordable⁠—and, for the 12th year in a row, Hong Kong takes the top spot as the world's most unaffordable housing market, with a score of 23.2.

What are the 10 most expensive states to live in? ›

10 Most Expensive States To Live In
  • New Hampshire. State Cost of Living Index: 114.7. ...
  • Connecticut. State Cost of Living Index: 115.4. ...
  • Vermont. State Cost of Living Index: 116.4. ...
  • Oregon. State Cost of Living Index: 122.2. ...
  • Maryland. State Cost of Living Index: 124.1. ...
  • Alaska. State Cost of Living Index: 125.5. ...
  • New York. ...
  • 3. California.
May 27, 2023

What US city has the most expensive housing? ›

The most expensive city in the U.S. in terms of housing costs is San Jose, California. It combined the highest monthly housing costs in our study with the second-highest home values, but San Francisco wasn't far behind.

Where are the cheapest homes in the US? ›

10 Cheapest Housing Markets to Buy a House in the US
  • West Virginia. With a Zillow Home Value Index of $146,578, West Virginia is the most affordable state to buy a house in the US. ...
  • Mississippi. ...
  • Arkansas. ...
  • Louisiana. ...
  • Oklahoma. ...
  • Kentucky. ...
  • Iowa. ...
  • Ohio.
May 30, 2023

How much will the average US home cost in 2030? ›

The Average US Home Could be Worth $382,000 by 2030

House prices in the US have risen by 48.55% in the last ten years (from $173k to $257k) and if they continue to grow at this rate for another decade, the average US home will be worth $382k by 2030. But across such a vast country, the picture inevitably varies.

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