Typical Starter Home Value by State 2026

What this chart shows. The typical value of lower-priced homes in each state and DC in August 2026, using Zillow's bottom-tier index. California was the most expensive at $467,879, ahead of Hawaii at $449,480 and Massachusetts at $433,643. Only two states were below $100,000: Mississippi at $99,582 and West Virginia at $88,585.

How the data is collected. Zillow's bottom-tier ZHVI gives the typical value of homes between the 5th and 35th percentile of values in each area, so it describes the cheaper part of the housing stock rather than the middle. "Starter home" is our label for this tier; Zillow calls it the bottom tier.

Background. Lower-priced homes gained value faster than higher-priced ones between August 2020 and August 2026 in 39 of the 51 places. California's typical lower-priced home, at $467,879, was worth more than the typical higher-priced home in 14 states.

Limits. The tiers are defined within each state, so a lower-priced home in one state can cost more than a higher-priced home in another. The index estimates values for all homes, not only those on the market, and it is smoothed, so short-term moves appear gradually.