The US housing market is anything but uniform, yet one number anchors today’s conversation around affordability. As of fall 2025, the median price for an existing home sits just over $415,000, reflecting a sharp rise over the past five years. That figure now represents everything from compact city studios to spacious historic homes, depending on where buyers choose to land.
• The national median existing home price reached approximately $415,000, up more than 50 percent over five years.
• High cost metros like New York City and Los Angeles offer smaller condos at this price point, often with significant monthly fees.
• Midwestern and Southern markets such as Detroit, St. Louis, and Atlanta deliver larger homes and more space for the same investment.
• Mortgage rates near 6.2 percent continue to influence affordability, monthly payments, and buyer mobility nationwide.
The $415,000 benchmark underscores how location shapes value more than ever in today’s market. As buyers weigh lifestyle priorities against affordability, understanding these regional differences remains essential heading into 2026.
Attribution – By: Claire Boston | Yahoo Finance
Photo: Courtesy of Zillow
