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For solo buyers in today’s market, affordability is everything. Recent stats from the National Association of Realtors® show 62% of homebuyers are married couples, while just 20% are single women and 8% are single men. With only one income to cover a mortgage, utilities, and other living costs, many are seeking out states where their dollars stretch further.
Ohio is one of those places. Ranked No. 7 on the list of the most affordable states for solo buyers, the Buckeye State offers both budget-friendly home prices and a reasonable cost of living—making it one of the smartest picks for one-income homeownership.
Budget-Friendly Living With Room to Breathe
In Ohio, the median home price clocks in at $289,900, among the lowest in the nation. A typical mortgage payment (excluding taxes and insurance) comes to $1,513. Based on SmartAsset’s calculations utilizing the 50/30/20 rule, a solo buyer would need to earn about $84,781 per year to live comfortably in the state.
That’s thousands less than what’s required in more expensive states like Colorado or New Jersey—where the cost of living and home prices often push affordability out of reach for one-income households.
“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®. Ohio sits squarely in that sweet spot, offering modest home prices and stable inventory in both large metros and smaller cities.
Solo Buyers With a Strategy
Affordability is key, but solo buyers are also highly intentional. “They do want something smaller,” says Brooke Nelson, a real estate agent in nearby Missouri. “The single person that’s buying homes right now seems to be pretty responsible as far as their finances go”.
That means a preference for single family homes that don’t require extensive repairs, and properties that are move-in ready. “They’re really looking for things that are more complete from a seller that has maintained it well,” Nelson adds.
In Ohio, buyers can find exactly that—affordable, well-kept homes in quiet neighborhoods with good infrastructure. Cities like Columbus and Dayton offer vibrant job markets, while towns like Akron and Youngstown provide strong value for first-time and mid-career buyers alike.
Wealth-Building Without the Pressure
The Ohio housing market presents a solid opportunity for solo buyers to build wealth over time. While the most recent tax data doesn’t include equity gains broken down by tax filing status, the state’s low purchase prices and steady appreciation trends suggest strong potential for long-term gains.
And with monthly housing costs that leave room in the budget for savings and unexpected expenses, solo buyers aren’t forced to choose between building equity and maintaining financial security.
“Single home shoppers may have to compromise on the type or size of home, or the location, to achieve homeownership on just one income,” says Jones. But in Ohio, many find they don’t have to compromise much at all.
A Smart Bet for First-Time and Solo Buyers
Ohio offers solo buyers a rare combination of affordability, livability, and long-term value. Whether you’re moving from a high-cost state or transitioning from renting, it’s one of the best states to take the leap into homeownership solo.
With tools like the mortgage calculator and rent vs. buy calculator, it’s easy to see how the numbers add up. For anyone looking to buy a home on a single income, Ohio is a smart place to start.
This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo, Gabriella Iannetta, and Allaire Conte.