The mobile off at 336 E. Alluvial Ave #119 in northeast Fresno is for sale with an asking price of $164,999.
Courtesy photo
Ronnie Mangulabnan/Park Place Real Estate
What kind of home can someone buy while making the average salary in Fresno?
The reality is, the pickings are slim, especially for an individual looking for a single-family home (standalone residential property built for one household).
With home loan interest rates continuing to climb and housing prices about 50% to 90% higher than what the market was 10 years ago, many people might feel priced out of that American dream of owning a home.
But there are housing options in and around Fresno for those making about $60,000 a year.
You just might need to recalibrate your expectations. And maybe be handy with some tools or a paint brush to make touch-ups and repairs.
“Home ownership is the American dream,” said Fresno-based home loan officer Mayra Delgado of Precision Home Loans. “But in actuality, your first home might not be your dream home. But it could be a major step toward helping you obtain your dream home as you build equity with that first home.
“But it’s going to take discipline and saving up, and finding a home within your price budget. Because even if you can afford a home and are comfortable with the monthly payments, there are other costs that come with maintaining the home.”
What’s affordable
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Fresno was $30.68 per hour in 2025. That equates to $59,826 to $63,814.40 per year depending on a work week being 37.5 to 40 hours per week.
So what are the housing options in Fresno for someone looking to buy with a $60,000 annual salary?
“The rule of thumb is if you make say $5,000 a month, if your credit (score) is good, you can go up to 40 to 50% of your income toward your monthly mortgage.,” said Delgado, who has worked with many first-time buyers throughout her career. “So at most, like $2,500 a month, in this case.
“But if you have a car payment or credit card debt or even an HOA (homeowners association fee) that comes with the home, all of that reduces how much housing you can afford.”
Based on home affordability calculators that take into account the most recent interest rate of 6.5%, with a down payment percentage of $15,000 max, and no current monthly debt, it’s recommended for buyers to target homes costing about $190,000.
Or, if you’re willing to stretch your budget and can find the right lender (bank, credit union, mortgage broker), it’s possible you could look at homes going for roughly $225,000.
What does the local housing market selection in the price range look like?
According to Movoto.com, there currently are 137 homes in the price range of $225,000 or less in Fresno, including 31 categorized as a house, 50 as a townhome/condominium and another 50 as mobile homes.
Here are three homes that have been for sale and fall in the price range for someone with an average Fresno salary.
4917 N Holt Ave #103
Sale price: $145,000
Home type: Condo
Size: 843 square feet, 2 bedroom/1 bath
Housing report: Located southeast of the Shaw and Marks avenues intersection, this condo is highlighted by listing realtor Jason Farris of Real Broker for its fresh paint, new plank flooring and updated kitchen featuring new cabinets, countertops, sink and faucet. The attached one-car garage offers direct access, plus storage. The HOA covers water, and trash and includes access to the fenced community pool.
“Even for a first-time homebuyer who’s starting on the lower end of homes, it’s still a good time to buy,” Farris said. “You start building equity. You’re not subject to a landlord who might raise your rent.”
The condominium for sale at 4917 N Holt Ave #103 in Fresno is selling for $145,000. Courtesy photo Jason Farris/Real Broker 336 E Alluvial Ave #119
Sale price: $164,999
Home type: Mobile home
Size: 1,484 square feet, 3 bedroom/1.75 bath
Housing report: Located at the northeast corner of the Alluvial Avenue and Fresno Street intersection, this manufactured home is highlighted by listing realtor Ronnie P. Mangulabnan of Park Place Real Estate for its energy efficiency, spacious living room filled with natural lighting and walk-in closet. It’s also in proximity to River Park Shopping Center and Kaiser Hospital, and located within the Clovis Unified School District.
“Equity in mobile homes is slower, but it will grow,” Mangulabnan said. “When you’re considering condos and mobile homes, just make sure you’re aware of any hidden fees.
“Is there an HOA? Space rent fee? Sometimes, that will scare off buyers. But just take that into account and be aware how much you can afford.”
The mobile off at 336 E. Alluvial Ave #119 in northeast Fresno is for sale with an asking price of $164,999. Courtesy photo Ronnie Mangulabnan/Park Place Real Estate 2837 E Grant Avenue
Sale price: $215,000
Home type: Single family
Size: 1,144 square feet 3 bedroom/1.5 bath
Housing report: Located southwest of the Belmont Avenue and First Street intersection and just west of Highway 41, this house is highlighted by listing realtor Chelsea Soares of Iron Key Real Estate for its potential and “as an appealing option for investors looking to add value through updates and improvements.” The fact that the home was built in 1915 does open itself up to the possibility of repairs, which buyers, of course, would want to account for in their budget.
“The affordability of today has really changed from what affordability options looked like 10-11 years ago,” Soares said. “In that price range of $200-350K, the housing options move very fast. What’s available one week could be off the market and the next.
“But you want to also make sure you do your due diligence on the condition of homes.”
The house at 2837 E. Grant Ave. is for sale with an asking price of $215,000. It has three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms and has 1,144 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo Chelsea Soares/Iron Key Real Estate
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Bryant-Jon Anteola is a multimedia reporter for The Fresno Bee, writing stories and producing videos about sports, news and random topics relatable to those in the Fresno area. He’s won a McClatchy President’s Award and received honorable mention by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He enjoys sports because of the competition, camaraderie and energy, and views sports as a microcosm of society.