A recent WalletHub report identifies the most affordable U.S. cities for homebuying, highlighting disparities in housing costs across the country. The analysis ranked 300 cities based on 10 key metrics, including home purchase prices, maintenance costs, taxes, insurance, and cost of living expenses.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
1. WalletHub’s Affordability Rankings
WalletHub’s May 2026 report ranked 300 U.S. cities on home affordability, considering factors like home prices, maintenance costs, and local income levels. The study found significant variations in affordability, with some cities offering more accessible housing markets than others.
2. Colorado’s Diverse Rankings
In Colorado, Pueblo ranked 42nd nationally, making it the most affordable city in the state and the only Colorado city in the top quarter of the country. Boulder, however, ranked 282nd, placing it among the least affordable cities in the U.S., comparable to markets in California, Boston, and New York City.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Housing Market Trends
The study noted a national surge in home prices, with the median sales price rising from $313,000 in Q1 2019 to $403,200 in Q1 2026. Interest rates also climbed sharply, from 2.65% in January 2021 to 6.37% in May 2026, making homebuying more expensive despite some price corrections in certain markets.
Colorado’s Regional Disparities
The report included 13 Colorado cities, all along the Front Range. Pueblo performed best among small cities (under 150,000 people), ranking 11th nationally in its category. Boulder, by contrast, ranked 119th among small cities, reflecting its high housing costs. Other Colorado cities in the study included Colorado Springs (78th overall, 22nd among large cities) and Thornton (101st overall, 37th among small cities).
Methodology and Limitations
WalletHub’s analysis considered only the cities themselves, not broader metro areas, which may explain some discrepancies in affordability rankings. The study grouped cities by size—large (over 300,000 people), mid-sized (150,000–300,000), and small (under 150,000)—to provide comparative insights.
Long-Term Implications
The findings highlight ongoing challenges in housing affordability, particularly in high-demand urban areas. While some cities like Pueblo offer more accessible housing, others like Boulder face steep costs that may limit homeownership opportunities for lower- and middle-income residents.