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For most Americans, buying a home still takes two incomes. According to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®, married couples made up 62% of home purchases, while only 20% were single women and just 8% were single men.
But not all states are equally challenging for solo home shoppers. In fact, West Virginia stands out as one of the few places where buying a home on a single income is not only possible—it’s also financially sustainable. A recent affordability study ranks it as the No. 1 most affordable state for solo buyers looking to settle down and live comfortably.
Low prices and manageable costs make West Virginia a standout
West Virginia offers solo homebuyers a rare combination: low housing prices and a cost of living that doesn’t require six figures.
The median listing price for a single-family home in the state is just $269,900—well below the national median of $440,950. Based on that price, the typical monthly mortgage payment (excluding taxes and insurance) comes out to $1,409. For those trying to do the math, the Realtor.com® mortgage calculator is a helpful tool.)
SmartAsset estimates that a single adult in West Virginia needs an annual income of $80,829 to live comfortably. That covers essentials, discretionary spending, and savings, following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule. Compared to neighboring states like Kentucky ($83,574) and Ohio ($84,781), West Virginia allows solo buyers to stretch their dollars further.
“Owning a home on one income may be feasible in affordable states in the Midwest and the South,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®. “The Midwest in particular has attracted significant buyer demand and investment as home shoppers flock to the nation’s most affordable housing markets”.
The fact that West Virginia topped the list for affordability isn’t just about low prices—it’s about the full picture of how far one income can really go.
Why equity still matters—even in lower-cost markets
For solo homebuyers, building equity is a critical part of long-term financial health. While appreciation gains may be smaller in lower-cost states, homeownership still delivers value in the form of stability, forced savings, and wealth-building over time.
In West Virginia, lower home prices mean that fewer owners surpass the federal capital gains exclusion thresholds when they sell—a threshold set at $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 6.8% of homeowners in the state now exceed the federal capital gains exemption. That makes them subject to what economists have dubbed the “hidden home equity tax”.
In other words, West Virginia offers an entry point into homeownership that doesn’t require compromising on financial future. The upside may be slower, but it’s still there.
West Virginia could be a smart bet for first-time and solo buyers
Solo buyers often have to weigh renting vs. buying through a more cautious lens. Affordability, long-term value, and lifestyle fit all matter—and West Virginia checks those boxes.
With a modest income threshold and one of the lowest home prices in the country, the state is a place where a single earner can afford not just to buy, but to build a life. For those who are budget-conscious and want to avoid first-time homebuyer regret, home listings in West Virginia offer a mix of affordability, livability, and long-term potential.
For single-income earners eyeing their first property—or a simpler lifestyle—this might just be the perfect place to call home.
This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo, Gabriella Iannetta, and Allaire Conte.