Discover America's Most Affordable Cities to Live In
Explore the top U.S. cities offering budget-friendly housing and low living costs, perfect for those seeking affordable everyday expenses and quality of life.
Looking for cities in the United States where your dollar stretches the furthest? These locations boast affordable housing markets and everyday expenses that won’t break the bank.
While Texas often gets the spotlight for low living costs, recent studies from the U.S. Council for Community and Economic Research reveal that affordable living extends well beyond its borders.
10. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cost of living: 15.5% below the national average.
Population: 631,346 residents.
Median household income: $47,779 (U.S. average: $53,889).
Median home price: $138,600 (U.S. average: $178,600).
Unemployment rate: 4.2% (U.S. average: 4.9%).
As Oklahoma's largest city and state capital, it offers surprisingly low housing prices—28.8% below the national average—making it an excellent choice for both homebuyers and renters.
9. Conway, Arkansas
Cost of living: 15.6% below the national average.
Population: 64,980 residents.
Median household income: $47,504.
Median home price: $160,400.
Unemployment rate: 3.5%.
Home to corporate headquarters like Acxiom and the University of Central Arkansas, Conway offers reasonable housing costs and affordable healthcare, making it appealing for families and professionals alike.
8. Jonesboro, Arkansas
Cost of living: 15.9% below the national average.
Population: 73,907 residents.
Median household income: $41,688.
Median home price: $141,400.
Unemployment rate: 3.4%.
With Arkansas State University at its heart, Jonesboro is affordable for students and residents alike. Housing costs here are 28.2% lower than the national average, and medical services are notably cheaper, with doctor visits, eyewear, and dental care costing significantly less.
7. Norman, Oklahoma
Cost of living: 16.2% below the national average.
Population: 120,284 residents.
Median household income: $51,491.
Median home price: $160,100.
Unemployment rate: 3.5%.
Norman offers affordable living with food, gas, and housing costs well below the national average. Renters benefit particularly, paying 44% less than in many other U.S. cities.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
Cost of living: 16.2% below the national average.
Population: 853,173 residents.
Median household income: $41,987.
Median home price: $118,300.
Unemployment rate: 4.0%.
As the largest affordable city on this list, Indianapolis combines big-city amenities with small-town prices. It boasts a stable economy, several colleges including Butler University, and attractions like the world's largest children's museum.
5. Knoxville, Tennessee
Cost of living: 16.3% below the national average.
Population: 185,291 residents.
Median household income: $34,226.
Median home price: $118,300.
Unemployment rate: 4.5%.
Knoxville is known for its affordable prices on everything from groceries to transportation. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and is close to the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Cost of living: 17.0% below the national average.
Population: 655,770 residents.
Median household income: $36,445.
Median home price: $94,000.
Unemployment rate: 5.3%.
Memphis stands out for its exceptionally low real estate prices, with homes often costing less than $100,000. Rent is about 33% cheaper than the national average, and the city benefits from a strong job market anchored by major corporations like FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone.
3. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Cost of living: 20.0% below the national average.
Population: 76,041 residents.
Median household income: $33,009.
Median home price: $96,600.
Unemployment rate: 4.2%.
Kalamazoo is an affordable city facing economic challenges, with a third of its population below the poverty line. Key economic drivers include Western Michigan University, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and medical equipment manufacturer Stryker.
2. Harlingen, Texas
Cost of living: 20.6% below the national average.
Population: 65,774 residents.
Median household income: $34,466.
Median home price: $80,600.
Unemployment rate: 7.2%.
Though living costs are low in southern Texas, Harlingen faces economic hardships with 32.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Still, affordable prices on food, gas, and housing make it a budget-friendly place to live.
1. McAllen, Texas
Cost of living: 23.7% below the national average.
Population: 140,269 residents.
Median household income: $44,254.
Median home price: $115,400.
Unemployment rate: 7.8%.
McAllen offers a higher median income than Harlingen with an impressively low cost of living. However, 26.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The city is renowned for its rich birdlife and the Quinta Mazatlan bird sanctuary, a major stop on migratory routes.
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