WalletHub: Best and Worst Cities to Buy a First Home in the US in 2026

Personal finance platform WalletHub published an analysis identifying the best and worst cities for people buying their first home in the US in 2026. The research evaluated various economic and cost of living factors to rank the cities based on these criteria. According to the results of the analysis, cities in different regions of the country offer various opportunities and challenges for first-time homebuyers.

A particularly striking finding is that at least four cities in California are among the worst places to buy a first home. This situation is largely attributed to the high housing prices and the increasing overall cost of living in the state. High costs pose a serious obstacle for low-income first-time homebuyers who are trying to save money.