Most Affordable Cities to Live in 2023

Akron, OH

• Population: 198,508
• Home Price: $80,000 median purchase price; $693 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $35,240
• Unemployment Rate: 7.0%
• Cost of Living: 15% below the national average

Settle 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. 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: 258,989
• Home Price: $72,600 median purchase price; $710 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $33,119
• Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
• Cost of Living: 18% below the national average

Cheap living in New York doesn’t have to be expensive—Buffalo offers affordable living in Upstate New York that is 37% lower than the state average. With significant savings on housing and healthcare in particular, it’s no wonder why Nickel City is one of the most affordable cities in America! 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 attractions like the Buffalo Zoo and Buffalo Museum of Science, and is only a 30-minute drive away from the breathtaking views at Niagara Falls.

Dallas, TX

• Population: 1,278,433
• Home Price: $142,600 median purchase price; $888 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $45,215
• Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
• Cost of Living: 3% below the national average

Want to live in an affordable big city? With the Dallas-Fort Worth metro recently ranked as one of the top labor markets for job growth in the U.S., it makes sense that Dallas is one of the best places for business and careers. And while there’s no state income tax, Dallas still offers budget-friendly homes and rent prices below the national average, so your dollar can stretch even further in this affordable U.S. city. Dallas is also home to a variety of fun things to do, including The Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Zoo, Dallas Museum of Art, and supporting the Dallas Cowboys (NFL)!

Des Moines, IA

• Population: 212,859
• Home Price: $119,800 median purchase price; $775 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $48,088
• Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
• Cost of Living: 15% 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-size cities in the U.S., but the whole state of Iowa is among the most affordable states to live in! Des Moines’ low cost of living extends to housing, utilities, transportation, and grocery costs. The city also provides plenty of higher education options at Drake University and Grand View University for those looking to grow their career opportunities. 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 America!

Fort Wayne, IN

• Population: 260,954
• Home Price: $103,100 median purchase price; $681 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $44,449
• Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
• Cost of Living: 14% below the national average

One of the best places to live in the Midwest, Fort Wayne pairs livable wages with a low cost of living, making it a great place to get the most out of your salary. This Indiana city also features a strong economy and a job market that’s on the rise, with a 38.6% increase in jobs predicted over the next ten years. Along with healthcare and insurance, manufacturing is one of the biggest industries of Fort Wayne, as it’s home to companies like Fortune 500 steel producer Steel Dynamics, Inc. and big-name energy company Franklin Electric. This hidden gem of a city isn’t short on things to do, either, with great attractions like the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo!

Huntsville, AL

• Population: 188,973
• Home Price: $168,900 median purchase price; $750 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $51,441
• Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Cost of Living: 7% below the national average

Not only is Huntsville one of the best places to live in the Southeast, but it’s also one of the cheapest places to live. While the city’s cost of living is slightly above Alabama’s state average, it’s still significantly lower than most metros in the U.S. thanks to affordable housing, transportation, and healthcare. Job seekers can find opportunities with big-name companies like Huntsville Hospital, nou Systems, Inc., and computer repair and maintenance company Millennium System Services, Inc. Rocket City also offers plenty to see and do, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center—which commemorates missions that were operated right out of Huntsville—and the Huntsville Botanical Garden, which features native wetlands, forests, and foliage.

Kansas City, MO

• Population: 471,767
• Home Price: $135,900 median purchase price; $826 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $47,489
• Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
• Cost of Living: 12% below the national average

Kansas City is a fast-growing Midwest city that’s a great location for anyone looking to move to the region for its safe, affordable neighborhoods and growing job market. KC also boasts cheap housing, healthcare, transportation, and groceries. Singles and young professionals looking to live in an affordable city don’t have to sacrifice fun in KCMO. With pro sports events featuring the Kansas City Royals (MLB) and Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), a well-known craft beer scene, and tons of nightlife within the Power & Light District, there’s always fun to be had! Plus, you can enjoy mouth-watering barbecue at 100+ restaurants in Kansas City—the BBQ capital of the world.

Knoxville, TN

• Population: 183,927
• Home Price: $120,300 median purchase price; $766 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $34,556
• Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• Cost of Living: 18% below the national average

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and situated alongside the Tennessee River, Knoxville provides locals with excellent job opportunities, affordable homes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. With housing costs 30% lower and state income tax 59% lower than the national averages, Marble City is one of the best cities for jobs and one of the best cities to retire! Browse open positions in Knoxville at major employers such as Regal Theatres, TeamHealth, and HGTV. Not only is this Tennessee city home to Zoo Knoxville and Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, but it also hosts Big Ears Festival, a four-day music festival known for featuring artists of all genres.

Memphis, TN

• Population: 655,857
• Home Price: $93,700 median purchase price; $842 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $36,975
• Unemployment Rate: 7.2%
• Cost of Living: 19% 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 median real estate price more than $50,000 below the state’s average, and more than $90,000 below the national average! Memphis also offers job opportunities with large 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 Stax Museum of American Soul Music being major Memphis attractions.

Oklahoma City, OK

• Population: 620,015
• Home Price: $142,700 median purchase price; $793 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $50,070
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• Cost of Living: 12% below the national average

Oklahoma City is a great place to live thanks in part to its strong job market and low cost of living, particularly budget-friendly housing sitting at 21% below the national average. The city is a major destination for those working in the manufacturing and energy industries, as Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Devon Energy Corporation are among the area’s top employers. There are plenty of things to do in OKC—like roller-skating on the Sky Rink in Scissortail Park, visiting Will Rogers Gardens or the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, or catching a show at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.

Omaha, NE

• Population: 443,072
• Home Price: $139,800 median purchase price; $819 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $50,827
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Cost of Living: 8% below the national average

Thinking about calling Omaha home? Nebraska’s largest city is one of the best places to live in the Midwest! 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 accessible as well, with Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and University of Nebraska Medical Center. Plus, Omaha has tons of attractions 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!

San Antonio, TX

• Population: 1,439,358
• Home Price: $121,100 median purchase price; $882 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $48,183
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• Cost of Living: 10% below the national average

A big population doesn’t have to mean a big price tag—at least not in this Texas city! San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the U.S. and the most populated city on our list, but it’s an ideal spot to settle down and buy a home thanks to its low cost of living—particularly in the categories of healthcare, utilities, groceries, and housing. While the city has a strong military sector with the presence of Joint Base San Antonio, River City also offers jobs in industries like aerospace, healthcare and bioscience, IT and cybersecurity, and new energy. If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Antonio, there’s no shortage. Local favorites include the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, The Alamo, Historic Market Square, and river parades at the San Antonio River Walk!

Tampa, FL

• Population: 361,477
• Home Price: $172,100 median purchase price; $983 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $45,874
• Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
• Cost of Living: 3% below the national average

Situated on the Gulf Coast, Tampa has lots to offer with its beautiful tropical weather, easy access to beaches, and affordable cost of living. Home prices are relatively low at 4% below the national average, and there’s no state income tax, making this Florida city a budget-friendly option and one of the best U.S. cities for real estate. Residents will love the endless Tampa attractions, including Tampa Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa, the exhilarating rollercoasters at Busch Gardens, and the vibrant sports scenes at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Lightning (NHL), or Rays (MLB) games.

Tulsa, OK

• Population: 399,906
• Home Price: $126,200 median purchase price; $757 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $43,045
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• Cost of Living: 11% below the national average

Sitting right in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains is the second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa. Long known as a hub for the oil industry, the city now offers job opportunities in a variety of industries, with Avis Budget Group, Helmerich & Payne, and Saint Francis Health Systems all among the biggest employers in Tulsa. 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. Popular attractions include the beautiful Deco District or Blue Dome District, the Gathering Place, Tulsa Mayfest arts festival, Tulsa Zoo, and more.

Wichita, KS

• Population: 388,033
• Home Price: $120,800 median purchase price; $736 median monthly rent
• Median Household Income: $46,775
• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Cost of Living: 11% below the national average

Considering living in the Midwest? Check out Wichita, which has plenty of job opportunities, loads of amenities, and housing costs that are 31% lower than the national average, making it one of the cheapest cities to live 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 employers like Textron Aviation, McConnell Air Force Base, and Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. Residents will love experiencing Wichita attractions, like the Mid-America All-Indian Museum and Keeper of the Plains statue in Downtown Wichita, live science shows at Exploration Place, and Botanica, The Wichita Gardens.