L.A. and Long Beach Among Least Affordable Cities for Homebuyers

Recent report finds Southern California cities rank among the world's least affordable housing markets.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A recent report has found that Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego are among the world's least affordable cities for homebuyers when comparing home prices to local salaries. The survey, which looked at housing affordability in major cities globally, ranked these Southern California metro areas as some of the most unaffordable places to purchase a home.

Why it matters

The lack of affordable housing in these cities has been an ongoing issue, pricing out many residents and making it increasingly difficult for first-time and low-income buyers to enter the market. This trend reflects broader challenges around housing supply, development, and income inequality in these urban areas.

The details

The report, conducted by a global real estate research firm, analyzed the ratio of median home prices to median household incomes in major cities worldwide. Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego were found to be among the top 5 least affordable housing markets, with home prices vastly outpacing local salaries. San José, California was the other U.S. city to rank in the bottom 5 globally.

  • The report was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles

The second-largest city in the United States and a major economic and cultural center in Southern California.

Long Beach

A coastal city in Los Angeles County, California, known for its port, beaches, and diverse population.

San Diego

A major city in Southern California, known for its mild climate, beaches, and thriving tourism industry.

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The takeaway

The findings underscore the ongoing housing affordability crisis in many of California's largest metropolitan areas, where home prices have far outpaced income growth, pricing out many residents and making it increasingly difficult for first-time and low-income buyers to enter the market.