What is the FHA loan limit in my city?

FHA limits vary by county. High-cost areas like Los Angeles and New York have limits up to $1,149,825. Most other areas have limits around $472,030 to $530,150. Check HUD's lookup tool for your specific county.

Can I use FHA to buy in an expensive city?

Yes, high-cost area FHA limits make FHA viable even in expensive markets. In Los Angeles and NYC, the FHA limit is $1,149,825, covering the vast majority of homes with just 3.5% down.

Do FHA rates differ by city?

FHA rates are largely national, but slight variations occur due to local lender competition and state regulations. The bigger city-specific factor is the FHA loan limit, which determines whether FHA is even an option for your price range.

FHA Loans by City: Local FHA Limits, Rates & Requirements

FHA loan limits vary by county, ranging from $498,257 to $1,149,825. Find your city's FHA limit and see how local housing costs affect your FHA loan options.

FHA Loan Limits by City

The FHA sets county-level loan limits based on local median home prices. High-cost areas get higher limits, making FHA viable even in expensive markets. Here is how FHA limits compare across major cities:

City / County	FHA Limit (1-Unit)	Median Price	FHA Covers Median?
New York (NYC)	$1,149,825	$680,000+	Yes
Los Angeles	$1,149,825	$950,000+	Yes
Houston	$472,030	$320,000	Yes
Chicago (Cook Co.)	$498,257	$340,000	Yes
Phoenix (Maricopa)	$530,150	$430,000	Yes

How FHA Limits Affect Your Options

High-Cost Areas (CA, NY)

FHA limits up to $1,149,825 make FHA viable for expensive homes. Combined with 3.5% down, FHA is a powerful tool in high-cost markets. Learn about FHA.

Standard Areas (TX, IL)

Standard FHA limits around $472K–$498K easily cover median home prices. Most buyers in these markets can use FHA with room to spare.

Growing Markets (AZ)

FHA limits in Phoenix ($530K) cover the median price but appreciation is pushing some homes above the limit. Monitor limits as they adjust annually.

FHA Benefits Across All Cities

National FHA Advantages

3.5% down payment with credit scores of 580+
Flexible DTI ratios — up to 43%–50%
Down payment gifts allowed from family members
Competitive rates — often lower than conventional for sub-700 credit
Multiple property types — single-family, condos (FHA-approved), 2-4 units

Check today's FHA rates or use our FHA calculator to estimate your payment. Compare with FHA vs. Conventional to see which is better for your situation.