Regardless of whether you own or rent, there is no doubt that housing costs are the biggest expense in your budget. The 18 best U.S. cities where housing is actually affordable allow you to minimize the biggest outlay, and in this current cost of living crisis, we need all the savings we can get.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Ranked the best place to live in 2023 by U.S. News, Green Bay is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. and is a pretty nice spot to set up a home. The average for income spent on housing costs here is less than 20%, allowing plenty of room in your budget for other expenses, savings, investments, and fun money.
Peoria, Illinois
The cost of living in Peoria is one of the best in the U.S., with residents spending around 20% of their household income on rent or mortgage payments plus utilities and property taxes. Distanced from the major metropolitan areas of Illinois, housing costs are low without compromising on city vibes.
Youngstown, Ohio
Realtor.com statistics show that the average house price is less than $135,000, making it a great location for first time buyers wanting bang for their buck. Rent is also extremely affordable at an average of just $775 a month, a phenomenal 61% lower than the national average.
Beaumont, Texas
With no taxes, Texas is one of the most affordable states in which to live. Close to the border of Louisiana, Beaumont allows you to enjoy the best of both states. Property prices have dropped in recent years, with people leaving the town in favor of Houston, Dallas, and Austin, allowing you to grab a bargain.
Huntsville, Alabama
Considered to be one of the best places to live in the U.S., alongside the fourth most affordable city, Huntsville is a top contender for budget-friendly housing. It is 23% cheaper to live in this Alabama city than the national average with a current downtrend.
Hickory, North Carolina
Rated the best affordable place to live in the U.S. 2023-2024 by multiple sources, Hickory offers housing with an 18.95% median spend of your household income. Most residents of Hickory own their homes and the city is renowned for affordable condos and townhouses.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Considered one of the best places to live in Tennessee, Knoxville offers a city vibe with a suburban community surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Niche.com says that most Knoxville residents rent with monthly payments of around $1000 on average. For buyers in Knoxville, you can expect a median home value just shy of $185,000.
Huntington, West Virginia
Both renting and buying are incredibly affordable in Huntington. The average rent is around $841 a month, while home values are $114,800. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it is hard to find such a scenic location to reside at such an affordable price.
Ashland, Kentucky
You can enjoy a cost of living 12% lower than the national average in Ashland, but better yet, house prices are a whopping 27% lower. Regularly appearing on lists of great places to retire, Ashland has a charming, small-town ambiance while helping your money stretch further.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Housing costs in Fort Wayne are a staggering 26% lower than the national average, according to rentcafe.com. Whether you are buying or renting, you are guaranteed to find a property that suits your budget, alongside living costs that are extremely cost-efficient.
Quad Cities
Straddling the state lines of both Illinois and Iowa, the Quad Cities benefit from great housing costs. The cities of Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, and Bettendorf are bursting with midwestern charm and are considered great places to raise a family. Housing costs across this metropolitan area average just 20% of the median household income.
Spartanburg, South Carolina
With top marks for education and diversity, in addition to being recommended for families, Spartanburg is surprisingly affordable for such a quality city. Median home values are $165,000 while median rent is $983, providing you with a budget-friendly location to settle down and raise children in a good community.
Greenville, South Carolina
One of the biggest artistic hubs in South Carolina, Greenville is an extremely creative and cultural place to live. Great for professionals with plenty of job opportunities while equally outstanding for families boasting great schools, Greenville is a phenomenal place to live that is highly affordable.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
A dense suburban area where over 60% of the population rent, Fayetteville has great housing costs with monthly payments of just $944. With house prices higher than the national average, it is no surprise that many choose to rent in Fayetteville which in contrast, is highly affordable.
South Bend, Indiana
Residents of South Bend spend around 20% of their monthly household income on housing costs. The area is known for great rental options for seniors and low-income families, with affordable living scattered across the city. Both homeownership and renting are very accessible in South Bend.
Brownsville, Texas
Although Brownsville may not be the cheapest place to live on this list, when considering the value for money you are receiving, it is insanely affordable. If you want budget-friendly housing without promising on quality, Brownsville is the spot. Households spend around 24% of their monthly income on housing but what you get for that is simply outstanding.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The housing market in Chattanooga is not remotely competitive, which is a great benefit to buyers. You can grab a great deal when purchasing a property in this Tennessee city with an average house price of $230,500 for huge homes. It is also a great spot to be a renter with monthly payments way below the national average.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you’re looking to live in a major city, Pittsburgh is arguably the most affordable option. The second-most populous city in Pennsylvania is considered mid-size in comparison to the biggest cities in the U.S., and the housing prices reflect this. You will spend just 20.1% of your income on housing costs with affordable rent and low-cost mortgage payments.
Up Next: 17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
When a person dies, it’s easy for their partner or family members to overlook things while they process shock and grief. Despite the pain of losing a loved family member, it’s important to remember to organize these 17 things to prevent problems later on.
17 Things Most People Forget After Someone Dies
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
Confidence is a healthy and attractive trait that helps us stand firm in our values and set healthy boundaries. We can always become more confident, and learning the right ways to stand up for yourself is a great way to start. Here are 17 phrases you can use to do so.
17 Phrases Confident People Use to Stand Up For Themselves
20 Signs Someone Is Only Pretending to Care
Whether it’s to avoid hurting your feelings or if it’s part of a more elaborate plan to deceive you for benefits, people pretend for many reasons. The main theme with them, though, is that their actions never match the sugar-coated words that come out of their mouths. So that you don’t fall for someone like this, we’ve compiled 20 signs for you to look out for.