💸The 10 Most Affordable Cities to Live in the U.S. 🇺🇸

With affordability top of mind for many Americans, especially amid economic uncertainty, buyers are increasingly looking beyond major metro areas for places that offer a strong quality of life without overwhelming housing costs. Across the country, several cities stand out for their lower home prices, manageable rents, and everyday livability.

Below are some of the most affordable places to live in the U.S., where residents benefit from housing costs well below the national average.

10. Midland, Michigan:

• Population: 42,858
• Median Household Income: $75,889
• Midland earns its spot as one of the most desirable affordable cities in the country, ranking high overall for livability. With a median rent of $873 and a median home value of $194,845, housing costs remain significantly lower than the national average. While home prices here are slightly higher than others on this list, they are still nearly $176,000 below the national median, making Midland an attractive balance of affordability and desirability.

9. Anniston, Alabama:

• Population: 22,262
• Median Household Income: $48,089
• Anniston stands out for its extremely low housing costs. The median home value is $141,900, and rent averages just $513 — the second lowest on the list. While household income is lower than the national median, residents typically spend a smaller percentage of their income on housing, making day-to-day living more manageable.

8. Fort Smith, Arkansas:

• Population: 90,575
• Median Household Income: $53,853
• Fort Smith offers some of the lowest rental prices among affordable U.S. cities, with median rent around $594. Home values average $176,305, which is affordable in absolute terms, though residents spend a higher portion of income on housing compared to other cities on this list. Still, Fort Smith remains a compelling option for buyers seeking lower upfront costs.

7. Eagle Pass, Texas:

• Population: 27,962
• Median Household Income: $52,445
• With a median rent of $592 and median home value of $161,889, Eagle Pass delivers housing prices well below national norms. While household income trails the U.S. average, the city’s low cost of entry into homeownership continues to attract budget-conscious buyers.

6. Bay City, Michigan:

• Population: 33,011
• Median Household Income: $47,116
• Bay City offers some of the most affordable home prices on this list, with a median home value of just $90,930 — the third lowest overall. Median rent sits at $636, and residents typically spend less of their income on housing compared to many other affordable markets. While incomes are lower than the national median, the low cost of living helps offset that gap.

5. Mission, Texas:

• Population: 91,911
• Median Household Income: $60,127
• Mission stands out for its overall affordability, supported by one of the lowest costs of living on this list. Housing remains accessible, with a median rent of $699 and a median home value of $165,761—less than half the national average. While household incomes trend below the U.S. median, Mission’s lower housing and everyday expenses help residents maintain a comfortable standard of living without the financial strain seen in higher-cost markets.

4. Springfield, Illinois:

• Population: 113,645
• Median Household Income: $64,709
• As the capital of Illinois, Springfield combines historic charm with budget-friendly living. Median rent sits at $711, and the median home value is $153,738—well below national benchmarks. While incomes are modest compared to the U.S. average, the city’s lower housing costs and everyday affordability make Springfield an attractive option for buyers seeking value without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

3. Weirton, West Virginia:

• Population: 18,403
• Median Household Income: $57,282
• Weirton ranks as one of the most affordable cities in the country, thanks to exceptionally low housing costs. With median rent at just $528 and home values around $117,561, residents spend a smaller portion of their income on housing than anywhere else on this list. In fact, only about 11.1% of median household income goes toward rent, making Weirton the top performer in overall affordability.

2. Enid, Oklahoma:

• Population: 50,763
• Median Household Income: $62,361
• Enid offers a strong balance between affordability and livability. Median rent is $647, and residents spend just 12.5% of their income on housing costs. With median home values at $143,305, Enid remains far below the national average, offering homeownership opportunities that are increasingly rare in today’s market—especially for first-time buyers or those looking to stretch their purchasing power.

1. Decatur, Illinois:

• Population: 66,692
• Median Household Income: $49,682
• Decatur earns the title of the most affordable place to live for 2025–2026. Located in central Illinois, roughly three hours from Chicago, the city benefits from a notably low cost of living and extremely affordable housing. Median rent is just $570, and the median home value of $89,855 is among the lowest in the nation—approximately one-quarter of the national average. These factors make Decatur especially appealing for buyers prioritizing long-term affordability.

⭐️ Why These Matters for Buyers:

Affordability has become one of the biggest challenges for today’s homebuyers, especially as prices and interest rates remain elevated in many major metros. Exploring cities where home values and rents are still within reach can open the door to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of bounds.

For buyers willing to look beyond traditional high-cost markets, these affordable cities offer more than just lower price tags. Many provide solid job markets, growing communities, and a quality of life that supports long-term homeownership. Understanding where affordability and livability intersect can help buyers stretch their budget further, build equity sooner, and make confident decisions in an uncertain housing market.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, or simply exploring options, knowing where your dollar goes further can be a powerful advantage.