Moving to a new city in 2026? With low costs of living, budget-friendly housing, growing job markets, and great amenities, these are the 14 most affordable places to live in the U.S.
Abilene, TX
- Population: 124,691
- Home Price: $131,300 median purchase price; $918 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $52,518
- Unemployment Rate: 2%
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
Abilene—also known as The Key City—is a small Texas city where you can save money without sacrificing quality of life. Its cost of living and home prices both fall below the Texas and national averages, making it affordable to purchase or rent a home here. Job opportunities span a variety of industries, including healthcare, military and government contracting, manufacturing, and higher education—with major employers in Abilene including the Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene Independent School District, Hendrick Health, and more. Outside of work, the city has a diverse restaurant scene, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Abilene to stay busy! As a hub for arts, culture, and outdoor recreation, Abilene also offers amenities like the restored Paramount Theatre, The Grace Museum, and Everman Park—home to whimsical Dr. Seuss sculptures that give the city its “Storybook Capital of America” nickname.
Akron, OH
- Population: 197,375
- Home Price: $83,500 median purchase price; $795 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $40,281
- Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
- Cost of Living: 17% below the national average
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live, consider settling down in Akron, the Rubber Capital of the World. This mid-sized industrial city offers an excellent job market and incredibly affordable housing, with costs that are 48% below the national average. Known as the “City of Invention,” Akron’s key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, and distribution. Browse open positions at top employers such as Summa Health, Goodyear, and FirstEnergy Corp. You’ll also find plenty of things to do in Akron—whether it’s touring the estate and gardens at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, exploring the extensive art collection at the Akron Art Museum, or spending time outdoors at Lock 3 Park or Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Buffalo, NY
- Population: 255,805
- Home Price: $101,000 median purchase price; $801 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $39,677
- Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
- Cost of Living: 14% below the national average
Living in New York doesn’t have to be expensive—Buffalo offers affordable living in Upstate New York that’s 31% lower than the state average, and with home values 45% below the national average, it’s no wonder Nickel City is one of America’s most affordable cities! Furthermore, Buffalo’s strong housing market makes it one of the best cities for real estate. Add to that a growing job market with top employers like M&T Bank, Kaleida Health, and venue management company Delaware North, and Buffalo’s appeal is clear. The city also boasts a diverse food scene, popular Buffalo attractions like the Buffalo Zoo and the Buffalo Museum of Science, and close proximity to the breathtaking views of Niagara Falls.
Des Moines, IA
- Population: 215,408
- Home Price: $141,300 median purchase price; $881 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $54,843
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
Looking for a great place to live in the Midwest? Consider Des Moines! Not only is this state capital one of the best mid-sized cities in the U.S., but the whole state of Iowa is among the most affordable states to live in! The low cost of living in Des Moines extends to utilities, transportation, healthcare, and housing costs—in fact, Des Moines home prices are 23% lower than the national average. For those looking to grow their career opportunities, the city also provides plenty of higher education options at Drake University and Grand View University. In addition, the city is home to the Iowa State Fair—one of the largest state fairs in the U.S.—and the Downtown Farmers Market, one of the best farmers markets in the state!
Fort Smith, AR
- Population: 87,788
- Home Price: $132,800 median purchase price; $703 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $45,233
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
Situated along the Arkansas River, Fort Smith is an affordable Southern city with a strong sense of history and low cost of living. This budget-friendly area boasts housing costs that are 28% lower than the national average, and its diverse economy is supported by industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. A wide range of employers provide jobs in Fort Smith, including Bachoco O.K. Foods, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, and ArcBest. In their free time, residents can enjoy a variety of fun things to do in Fort Smith, like exploring the Fort Smith National Historic Site, admiring the downtown murals by the Unexpected Project, or enjoying one of the many parks in Fort Smith—including the tree-lined trails of Lake Fort Smith State Park, just a 45-minute drive away!
Fort Wayne, IN
- Population: 104,508
- Home Price: $142,000 median purchase price; $768 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $52,214
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
- Cost of Living: 9% below the national average
Looking to move to a booming Midwestern city? Consider living in Green Bay! Located near the coast of Lake Michigan, Green Bay offers plenty of green space and is home to several outdoor recreation spots like the Fox River State Trail, Baird Creek Greenway, Mountain-Bay State Trail, and the Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course. Green Bay’s low cost of living sees biggest savings on housing costs, making it an affordable U.S. city to call home. The top job industries in Green Bay include manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, and residents can find jobs through a variety of employers—including PCMC, Bellin Health, Schreiber, and Associated Bank. There are also several fun things to do in Green Bay, like cheering on the Green Bay Packers (NFL) at Lambeau Field, or visiting attractions like the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Amusement Park, and the National Railroad Museum.
Green Bay, WI
- Population: 104,508
- Home Price: $142,000 median purchase price; $768 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $52,214
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
- Cost of Living: 9% below the national average
Looking to move to a booming Midwestern city? Consider living in Green Bay! Located near the coast of Lake Michigan, Green Bay offers plenty of green space and is home to several outdoor recreation spots like the Fox River State Trail, Baird Creek Greenway, Mountain-Bay State Trail, and the Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course. Green Bay’s low cost of living sees biggest savings on housing costs, making it an affordable U.S. city to call home. The top job industries in Green Bay include manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, and residents can find jobs through a variety of employers—including PCMC, Bellin Health, Schreiber, and Associated Bank. There are also several fun things to do in Green Bay, like cheering on the Green Bay Packers (NFL) at Lambeau Field, or visiting attractions like the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Amusement Park, and the National Railroad Museum.
Knoxville, TN
- Population: 187,487
- Home Price: $142,700 median purchase price; $883 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $41,598
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
- Cost of Living: 11% below the national average
Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and situated alongside the Tennessee River, Knoxville is an affordable American city that provides locals with excellent job opportunities, affordable homes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. With housing costs 18% lower than the national average and no state income tax, Marble City is an excellent place to settle down—and also a great place to retire! Residents can find open positions in Knoxville with big employers like Regal Cinemas, TeamHealth, First Utility District of Knox County, and even HGTV. Finally, not only is this Tennessee city home to Knoxville attractions like Zoo Knoxville and the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum, but it also hosts Big Ears Festival—a four-day music festival known for featuring artists of all genres.
Memphis, TN
- Population: 650,910
- Home Price: $107,100 median purchase price; $915 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $41,864
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
- Cost of Living: 14% below the national average
Searching for an affordable place to live in the U.S. that also offers excellent culture? Memphis is a great option! This second-largest city in Tennessee has a cost of living 3% lower than the Tennessee average and nearly 5% lower than the national average—making it one of the most affordable cities to live in 2026. Memphis also offers job opportunities with major employers like FedEx, AutoZone, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music is an especially great home for music enthusiasts, with Elvis’ Graceland and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music being some of the top Memphis attractions. You’ll also find popular spots like the Memphis Zoo and Shelby Farms Park.
Oklahoma City, OK
- Population: 649,821
- Home Price: $161,800 median purchase price; $884 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $56,456
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Cost of Living: 9% below the national average
Oklahoma City is one of the best affordable cities in the U.S. thanks in part to its strong job market, family-friendly activities, and low cost of living—particularly with its budget-friendly housing costs sitting at 11% below the national average. OKC is one of the best cities for remote work, as well as a major destination for those seeking opportunities in the manufacturing and energy industries, with Expand Energy Corporation and Devon Energy Corporation among the area’s top employers. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do in OKC—like roller-skating on the Sky Rink in Scissortail Park, visiting the Will Rogers Gardens or the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and catching a show at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.
Omaha, NE
- Population: 479,529
- Home Price: $167,800 median purchase price; $948 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,213
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Cost of Living: 4% below the national average
Thinking about calling Omaha home? Nebraska’s largest city is one of the best cities for families, thanks to its great schools, family-friendly fun, and affordable homes! In fact, the cost of housing in Omaha is 6% lower than the national average. Plus, business is booming, with Fortune 500 companies like Union Pacific, Kiewit, Mutual of Omaha, and Berkshire Hathaway headquartered in the area. There are also plenty of educational opportunities at higher learning institutions like Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Find fun things to do in Omaha for people of all ages to enjoy—like the world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the annual College World Series held at Charles Schwab Field!
Springfield, IL
- Population: 115,075
- Home Price: $131,300 median purchase price; $820 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $54,164
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
- Cost of Living: 12% below the national average
An affordable Midwest city with historic charm and a steady local economy, Springfield is a fantastic place to settle down. The cost of living in Springfield is 12% lower than the national average, and housing costs are 24% lower, making it fairly easy to live comfortably here. You can find jobs in Springfield across a wide range of industries—like healthcare, transportation, education, manufacturing, and more. Some of the biggest employers in The Flower City include the University of Illinois Springfield, the State of Illinois, as well as private entities like BUNN. Beyond job opportunities, there are also many things to do in Springfield for fun! History lovers can explore Abraham Lincoln’s legacy at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Wander the manicured flowers and trees at Washington Park Botanical Garden or spend a day fishing or kayaking at Lake Springfield. Or catch a stirring performance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Tulsa, OK
- Population: 402,441
- Home Price: $143,400 median purchase price; $839 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $49,474
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
Sitting right in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains is Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma. Long known as a hub for the oil industry, T-Town now offers job opportunities in a variety of industries—with QuikTrip, Helmerich & Payne, and Saint Francis Health System all among the biggest employers in Tulsa. Costs in Tulsa for transportation, healthcare, housing, utilities, and groceries are all relatively low compared to the national average. Plus, in addition to being one of the most affordable places to live in America, Tulsa is paying qualified workers up to $10,000 to move and work remotely in the city with the Tulsa Remote program. Residents can also enjoy popular things to do in Tulsa such as the beautiful Deco District and Blue Dome District, the Gathering Place, and the Tulsa Zoo—as well as events like the Tulsa Mayfest arts festival.
Wichita, KS
- Population: 390,566
- Home Price: $138,100 median purchase price; $821 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $53,466
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- Cost of Living: 8% below the national average
Another great Midwest city that’s also affordable is Wichita, which has plenty of job opportunities, loads of amenities, and housing costs 22% lower than the national average—making it one of the most affordable cities in the U.S.! Those seeking employment opportunities in the aviation, manufacturing, and military sectors can find them in the Air Capital of the World at major companies like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems, as well as the McConnell Air Force Base. Residents can experience a wide range of Wichita attractions, including the Mid-America All-Indian Museum and Keeper of the Plains statue in Downtown Wichita, live science shows at Exploration Place, and Botanica, Wichita’s botanical gardens.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
City statistics from AreaVibes
