Key Details:
- Realtor.com’s latest report reveals the number of workdays needed to afford a monthly mortgage payment in each state, with Hawaii topping the list at 17 days.
- States like Ohio and Illinois require only 6-7 days, highlighting significant regional differences in home affordability across the U.S.
Do your buyers know how many workdays they’ll need to put in just to pay the mortgage?
That doesn’t even count additional homeownership expenses like homeowners insurance and property taxes—let alone monthly maintenance costs.
New data from Realtor.com® reveals just how many workdays it takes to afford a mortgage payment in every state. And the gap is wider than ever.
While the average American needs 10 workdays per month to cover their mortgage payment, buyers in some states need nearly twice that, while others can get it done in a week or less.
For real estate agents, this isn’t just a stat—it’s an opportunity. Understanding affordability trends is key to guiding buyers and setting realistic expectations in today’s market.
Read on for the highlights from Realtor.com’s research.
Where Buying a Home Requires the Most Work
Home prices have outpaced income growth in many states. And higher mortgage rates (6.55%) mean buyers are working longer just to afford their monthly payments.
Here’s where homeownership requires the most workdays:
- Hawaii – 17 days (highest in the U.S.) – Median home price: $796,947; Monthly mortgage payment: $5,222
- California – 15 days – Monthly mortgage payment: $4,773
- Massachusetts & Montana – 15 days – Montana median home price: $613,275
These states share a common trend: high demand, rising home prices, and limited affordability for many buyers.
States with the highest numbers of workdays needed to pay the mortgage:
- Hawaii – 17 days
- California, Massachusetts and Montana – 15 days
- Idaho, New York, and Utah – 14 days
- Nevada and New Hampshire – 13 days
- Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming – 12 days
Where Homeownership Is More Attainable
On the other end of the spectrum, several states allow homeowners to cover their mortgages in just one workweek or less:
- Ohio – 6 days (lowest in the U.S.)
- Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Michigan – 7 days
For buyers looking to maximize affordability, the Midwest and parts of the Southeast remain strong options.
Other states with (relatively) low numbers of workdays needed to pay the mortgage:
- Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas – 8 days
- Maryland, District of Columbia, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Dakota – 9 days
- North Carolina, Virginia, South Dakota — 10 days
Buyers in Florida, Maine, and Tennessee can all expect to work a median of 11 days just to cover their mortgage payment.
What This Means for Real Estate Agents
This data isn’t just interesting; it’s actionable. Here’s how agents can use it:
- Set Buyer Expectations – Buyers moving from high-cost states may not realize how affordability shifts in different markets. Help them understand how far their income will go.
- Target Relocation Clients – If you’re in an affordable state, market to buyers from high-cost areas who may be looking for better value.
- Use Market-Specific Messaging – Adjust your marketing and content to reflect local affordability trends. Highlight what makes your area a smart choice for homebuyers.
The affordability conversation isn’t going anywhere. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to help home buyers make smart, strategic moves in 2025.
