In several cities across the United States, a single person can save enough to become homeowners almost as fast as couples, a study found. 

Nationwide, singles earning a median income of $40,038 need eight years and five months to save up to be eligible for an affordable mortgage loan for a starter home worth $117,261. In comparison, couples earning a median income of $84,024 would only need two years and one month to save up for a starter home, according to a recent study from Point2 Homes.

"The reality is that saving for a home takes years. The harsher reality is that it can even take decades - particularly for singles buying on their own," Alexandra Ciuntu, author of the study, told Kiplinger. "The median starter home price has doubled over 20 years, [which extends the amount of time singles must save] by about 6 years compared to couples."

However, the study found that there are several cities where singles can save for homeownership nearly as fast as couples. These cities include:

1. Toledo, Ohio

  • Couples save in: 11 months

  • Singles save in: 1 year and 8 months

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 9 months

2. Detroit, Michigan

  • Couples save in: 1 year

  • Singles save in: 1 year and 9 months

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 10 months

3. St. Louis, Missouri

  • Couples save in: 11 months

  • Singles save in: 1 year and 10 months

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 11 months

4. Cleveland, Ohio

  • Couples save in: 1 year

  • Singles save in: 2 years

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 11 months

5. Memphis, Tennessee

  • Couples save in: 1 year and 3 months

  • Singles save in: 2 years and 2 months

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 12 months

6. Baltimore, Maryland

  • Couples save in: 1 year and 6 months

  • Singles save in: 2 years and 6 months

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 13 months

7. Kansas City, Missouri

  • Couples save in: 1 year and 6 months

  • Singles save in: 3 years

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 12 months

8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Couples save in:1 year and 6 months

  • Singles save in: 3 years

  • Difference in time to save for homeownership: 1year and 6 months

For the study, Point2 calculated the mortgage amount an individual and a couple would be eligible for based on their incomes. The monthly mortgage payment basis used for the study would not exceed 30% of a household's earnings. The study also assumed that 20% of the income would go towards savings.

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