The top 25 most affordable places to live in the U.S.

If you had the opportunity to choose wherever you wanted to live, where would it be? Would you hear ocean waves from your bedroom window? Would you go for mountain views? Or would you opt for one of the most affordable cities in America instead of the most expensive, such as New York or Honolulu?

We've rounded up information about buying a house in the most affordable places to live in the U.S., thoroughly researching the top 25 more affordable home locations in the nation.

Key findings on the most affordable cities in America

We cultivated the following list of the most affordable cities in America by comparing hundreds of cities. When deciding where to live, you must consider many different things – schools, amenities, cost of living and even traffic around the area where you plan to live.

We've looked across the board at trends and evaluated costs below the national average, including:

• Housing costs
• Utilities
• Food
• Health care
• Transportation
• Goods and services

25 most affordable cities in the U.S.

After evaluating information about population, features, and costs associated with each city, here are the 25 most affordable cities in the U.S.

1. Decatur, Illinois

Decatur is the largest city and county seat in Macon County, Illinois. Situated along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur, the city offers residents a small-town feel, including affordable restaurants, shopping, recreation and other amenities, including lake-based activities.

Decatur's housing costs are 44% lower than the national average. It also has a low cost of living: energy bills cost around $157.97 per month (6% lower than the national average), food is 5% lower, health care is 16% lower, transportation is 8% lower and goods and services are 16% lower than the national average. The median household income is $45,111.

• Population: 92,200
• Median rent: $575
• Median home sale: $88,250 ($59 per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $776
• Cost of living index: 77.9

Learn more about Decatur homes for sale and Decatur real estate trends. You can also learn more about buying a house in Illinois.

2. Lawton, Oklahoma

Lawton lies in southwestern Oklahoma, about 87 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Whether you look at the amenities (such as the Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawton Community Theater or take part in the Tomato Festival), you'll pay less to live in this town in the south.

Housing expenses in Lawton are 21% lower than the national average. Utility prices are 10% lower than the national average. You'll pay less for transportation, like bus fares and gas prices, which are at 13% below the national average. The median household income is $51,561 in Lawton.

• Population: 121,100
• Median rent: $600
• Median home sale: $134,450 ($88 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $918
• Cost of living index: 83.4

Learn about Lawton homes for sale and Lawton real estate trends. Learn more tips about becoming a first-time home buyer in Oklahoma.

3. Jonesboro, Arkansas

Whether you like to spend time outdoors or belong to a close-knit community in a midsized city, you can take advantage of plenty of amenities as a resident of Jonesboro, Arkansas, including Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, the Arkansas State University campus and museum, the Fowler Center and the Bradbury Art Museum. The First National Bank Arena hosts concerts and is home to the Red Wolves basketball team.

What makes Jonesboro affordable? The cost of living is 11% below the national average, with housing expenses 29% lower than the national average and transportation 14% below the national average.

The median household income in Jonesboro is $51,124.

• Population: 222,200
• Median rent: $685
• Median home sale: $239,000 ($136 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $864
• Cost of living index: 85.7

Learn more about Jonesboro homes for sale, Jonesboro real estate trends and more about first-time home buyers in Arkansas.

4. Augusta, Georgia

From downtown Augusta to the Riverwalk, the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River (and who could forget the Masters golf tournament?), there's no shortage of cool things to do in this Georgia city.

It's also one of the best places to live on the East Coast because of its family-friendly atmosphere and lower cost of living. Augusta has a lower cost of living than 13% of the national average, including 32% lower home prices and housing expenses, grocery prices 5% below the national average and lower health care costs, at 7% lower than the national average.

The median household income in Augusta is $50,492.

Population: 202,596

Median rent: $986

Median home sale: $202,000 ($128 median price per square foot)

Monthly homeowner costs: $1,159

Cost of living index: 84.6

Learn more about Augusta homes for sale and Augusta real estate trends.

5. Peoria, Illinois

Another midsized Illinois town on our list, Peoria is the home of a vibrant, close-knit community of Midwesterners, set on the Illinois River. The city has a wide variety of amenities, including a planetarium, sculpture garden, the Luthy Botanical Garden and the Peoria Zoo.

Its affordability includes low-cost housing, a robust economy and other affordable features well below the national average – 28% lower than the national average in housing, 10% lower in utilities, 12% lower in health care and 6% lower in goods and services.

The median household income is $63,409.

• Population: 151,400
• Median rent: $700
• Median home sale: $126,129 ($82 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $919
• Cost of living index: 88.6

Learn more about Peoria homes for sale and Peoria real estate trends.

6. Davenport, Iowa

Davenport, Iowa, sits right on the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa and exists as one-fourth of the Quad Cities. The other three cities include Bettendorf (in Iowa), and Rock Island and Moline (in Illinois).

Its amenities, strong economy and affordable cost of living puts Davenport squarely on our list. While Davenport's housing costs 1% more than the national average, it makes up for this added expense by costing less in utilities and groceries – 13% and 5%, respectively. Health care also costs 1% less than the national average.

• Population: 161,800
• Median rent: $743
• Median home sale: $177,102 ($117 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $904
• Cost of living index: 88.7

Learn more about Davenport homes for sale and Davenport real estate trends.

7. Conway, Arkansas

A bustling city in central Arkansas, Conway offers opportunities for individuals who want to live close to the state's capital, Little Rock, but potentially live and work right in Conway. Many individuals who live in Conway do not commute out of the city to work.

Housing is 26% lower in Conway compared to the national average, and utilities and food are also lower (6% and 9%, respectively). You'll also pay far less for goods and services and health care, at 16%, and less for transportation, at 9%.

The median household income in Conway is $54,036.

• Population: 236,400
• Median rent: $800
• Median home sale: $262,450 ($153 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $931
• Cost of living index: 89.4

Learn more about Conway homes for sale and Conway real estate trends.

8. Toledo, Ohio

As one of the most affordable big cities in America, Toledo, Ohio, deserves a look. Toledo, at the western tip of Lake Erie, is commonly listed as one of the best places to live in Ohio. The city offers its residents a hub of cultural, economic and educational opportunities. For example, it houses the Toledo Museum of Art, the Imagination Station (a children's museum), and the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium.

The cost of housing is an extremely low 43% of the national average. In fact, Toledo scores lower than the national average in various categories: energy costs, 13%; food, 25%; health care, 29% and transportation, 17%.

The median income in Toledo is $45,405.

• Population: 266,289
• Median rent: $846
• Median home sale: $119,298 ($95 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,050
• Cost of living index: 92.0

Learn more about Toledo homes for sale and Toledo real estate trends.

9. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

As one of the best places to live in Iowa, Cedar Rapids serves as a hub for arts and culture in the Hawkeye State. Some enriching experiences and amenities for residents include the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Orchestra Iowa, Theatre Cedar Rapids and the African American Museum of Iowa.

What's great about the cost of living in Cedar Rapids? Housing expenses are 29% lower in Cedar Rapids than the national average, and utility prices are 8% lower. Food and groceries also cost 3% less than the rest of the nation.

The median income in Cedar Rapids is $66,895.

• Population: 173,200
• Median rent: $625
• Median home sale: $185,000 ($121 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $835
• Cost of living index: 90.3

Learn more about Cedar Rapids homes for sale and Cedar Rapids real estate trends.

10. Muncie, Indiana

Muncie's 28 city parks offer a dream location for joggers and bicyclists. The city also has Indiana's second-largest children's museum, the Muncie Symphony, the Muncie Civic Theatre and the Minnetrista Cultural Center. With trails, museums, concert locations and gardens, Muncie has much to offer its citizens.

As one of the most affordable cities to live in America,Muncie's housing costs are 29% less than the rest of the country. However, utilities cost about 13% higher than the national average, and groceries cost 1% more. Health care is 9% higher than the national average. 

The median income in Muncie, Indiana, is $40,309.

• Population: 93,900
• Median rent: $650
• Median home sale: $136,800 ($93 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $864
• Cost of living index: 88.8

Learn more about Muncie homes for sale and Muncie real estate trends. Check out our Indiana first-time home buyer's guide to learn how to purchase a home in Muncie.

11. Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio, located in the Great Lakes region and south of Cleveland, has many family-friendly events, activities, sports, art, culture, outdoor exploration, and more. You can tap into plenty of opportunities to entertain yourself, from the Akron Art Museum to the Akron Zoo.

Housing is a whopping 40% lower in Akron than in the rest of the country. Utility prices follow suit at 18% below the national average, and so does health care in the city, at 14% less than the national average.

Akron has a median income of $46,596.

• Population: 188,498
• Median rent: $880
• Median home sale: $124,358 ($94 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,031
• Cost of living index: 86.0

Read more about Akron homes for sale and Akron real estate trends.

12. Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Falls, in northern Texas, offers a wide range of interesting attractions and activities, including Castaway Cove water park, Kemp Center for the Arts, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

You can also save money living in Wichita Falls and buying a house in Texas – housing expenses are 19% lower than the national average. You'll also save money on grocery prices, at 10% lower than the average. Transportation costs are also 2% lower than the national average.

As of the last census, the median household income in the city is $55,584.

• Population: 148,900
• Median rent: $725
• Median home sale: $187,000 ($118 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $965
• Cost of living index: 91.0

Learn about Wichita Falls homes for sale and Wichita Falls real estate trends.

13. Greenville, North Carolina

Thinking of moving to North Carolina? Greenville boasts a wide variety of experiences for residents and visitors, from agricultural experiences at local farms and creameries to taking classes at art museums and galleries and dancing to live music.

Housing is 22% lower in Greenville than in the rest of the country, and utilities are 3% lower. Transportation hits the mark of 2% lower than the rest of the country, though you'll pay more for food, health care and goods and services than other areas.

The median household income in the city is $47,485.

• Population: 231,400
• Median rent: $837
• Median home sale: $256,713 ($146 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $921
• Cost of living index: 91.0

Check out Greenville homes for sale and Greenville real estate trends.

14. Norman, Oklahoma

Considered one of the best places to live in Oklahoma, Norman, a city 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City, is the third-largest city in the state. Residents have many activities available at their fingertips, whether they take advantage of a camping trip at Lake Thunderbird State Park, the Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art, brewery tours, or take advantage of restaurants and shops.

Housing is 14% lower in Norman compared to the rest of the country. Utilities are 7% lower, health care is 9% lower, and transportation is also 15% lower compared to the rest of the country.

The median household income in Norman is $62,849.

• Population: 244,700
• Median rent: $825
• Median home sale: $256,824 ($154 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,020
• Cost of living index: 90.2

Learn more about Norman homes for sale and Norman real estate trends.

15. Lorain, Ohio

Situated in northeast Ohio on Lake Erie at the mouth of the Black River, Lorain is about 25 miles west of Cleveland. As Ohio's ninth-largest city, it offers a wide range of amenities and perks for its residents, including the Lorain Lighthouse, the Lorain Palace Theatre, Lakeview Park and more.

Lorain's housing expenses are 3% lower than the national average. Similarly, utility prices are 2% and health care 1% lower, respectively. In Lorain, the median household income is $46,562.

• Population: 120,200
• Median rent: $700
• Median home sale: $135,027 ($91 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $820
• Cost of living index: 92.4

Considering moving to Lorain? Check out Lorain homes for sale and Lorain real estate trends.

16. Montgomery, Alabama

From theater opportunities to family entertainment, Montgomery ranks as one of the best places to live in Alabama. The city offers dozens of good reasons to call the city home. You'll get a front-row seat to its major role in the Civil Rights Movement and thriving downtown neighborhoods. Its history can't be beat, and its real estate matches this excitement.

The median household income in Montgomery is $56,707, and at 13% below the national average, Montgomery's cost of living hits many high points. The following expenses go below the national average:

• Housing expenses: 28%
• Groceries and food: 2%
• Health care: 15%

A few more stats about Montgomery:

• Population: 196,986
• Median rent: $984
• Median home sale: $172,427 ($100 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,167
• Cost of living index: 88.0

Learn more: Montgomery homes for sale and Montgomery real estate trends.

17. Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee, located 70 miles east of Memphis, is sometimes referred to as a “hub city” since it is located in the midpoint of West Tennessee and is equidistant between Nashville and Memphis.

The city has deep roots in southern hospitality, history and music icons (the birthplace of rockabilly music), so it's no surprise you'll find a busy entertainment scene here.

Its housing expenses are just one of its benefits. At 30% lower than the national average, you can be assured it's possible to find an affordable place to live. Grocery and health care prices are lower than the national average, at 7% and 11% below the national average. The median household income for Jackson is $48,058.

• Population: 218,700
• Median rent: $1,100
• Median home sale: $265,000 ($146 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,037
• Cost of living index: 86.2

Learn about Jackson homes for sale and Jackson real estate trends.

Planning to buy your first home in Tennessee? Consider first-time home buyer programs in Tennessee.

18. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin, is famous for its football (you know it for the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field fame). From football to outdoor activities to a thriving community, you'll find a lot of benefits of living in this Midwestern city, including a fairly low sales tax.

Green Bay is one of the best places to invest in real estate because housing expenses are 22% below the national average. Food and groceries are 8% below other states in the nation. Health care will also cost you less, at 2% lower than the national average. The median household income is $57,174.

• Population: 192,900
• Median rent: $750
• Median home sale: $274,625 ($160 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $798
• Cost of living index: 90.3

Learn about Green Bay homes for sale and Green Bay real estate trends.

19. Abilene, Texas

This west-central Texas city offers a walkable downtown cultural hub, live music, museums, performing arts centers, a historic theater, shopping and dining.

Housing costs are 14% lower than the national average in Abilene, and transportation expenses are 2% lower than the national average. Health care and groceries are also 10% below the national average.

Note that the median household income in Abilene is $59,254.

• Population: 184,600
• Median rent: $705
• Median home sale: $241,731 ($146 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,103
• Cost of living index: 91.4

Check out Abilene homes for sale and Abilene real estate trends.

20. Greensboro, North Carolina

The third most populous city in North Carolina, Greensboro has several top attractions, including the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, Greensboro Science Center, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, gardens, galleries and arboretums.

Greensboro is less than the national average in the following categories:

• Energy: 2.2% less than the national average
• Health care: 5.7% less than the national average
• Transportation: 23% less than the national average

The median household income is $55,051 and its stats also include the following:

• Population: 301,118
• Median rent: $1,081
• Median home sale: $213,136 ($159 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,221
• Cost of living index: 90.3

Check out Greensboro homes for sale and Greensboro real estate trends.

21. Des Moines, Iowa

This Midwestern capital city, situated in the middle of Iowa, is the home of the famous Iowa State Fair and contains more than what meets the eye. From the Blank Park Zoo to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, it offers a treasure trove of neighborhoods and excellent schools. It's one of the best places to raise a family and has a family-friendly atmosphere.

Housing costs 32% less than the national average, 14% lower utilities, 2% lower food costs, 4% below the average food costs, 11% lower transportation and 6% lower goods and services. The median household income is $58,444.

• Population: 210,936
• Median rent: $982
• Median home sale: $201,508 ($180 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,359
• Cost of living index: 87.0

Thinking Des Moines? Learn about Des Moines homes for sale and Des Moines real estate trends.

22. Parma, Ohio

On the southern edge of Cleveland, Parma has a suburban and city vibe, perfect for those who want city opportunities and to go home to a close-knit community. Parma offers museums, galleries, family fun, tasty food options (including Italian cuisine and wine).

Parma is well below the national average for housing, at 35% below the average, 4% for goods and services and 12% overall. The median household income of residents is $65,848.

• Population: 157,600
• Median rent: $795
• Median home sale: $190,076 ($111 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $957
• Cost of living index: 92.4

Learn more about Parma homes for sale and Parma real estate trends.

23. Columbia, Missouri

A college town in central Missouri, Columbia offers many activities, including outdoor activities at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Stephens Lake Park, Shelter Gardens and Shryocks Callaway Farms.

Columbia is one of the best places to buy a home on a $65,000 income (the median income is $60,455 in Columbia). With housing expenses 14% lower than the national average, 8% lower than the national average in health care, utility prices 4% lower and transportation at 1% lower.

• Population: 271,800
• Median rent: $850
• Median home sale: $299,313 ($158 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $968
• Cost of living index: 92.0

Learn more about Columbia homes for sale and Columbia real estate trends.

24. Champaign, Illinois

Champaign, in central Illinois, is the home of the University of Illinois campus, the Krannert Art Museum and the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, to name a few amenities.

Housing in Champaign runs 27% below the national average, and utilities are 9% below the national average. You'll pay 5% less for food, 12% less for health care, 7% less for transportation and 2% less for goods and services. The median household income in Champaign is $58,273.

• Population: 211,700
• Median rent: $1,250
• Median home sale: $200,000 ($133 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $1,043
• Cost of living index: 90.4

Considering Champaign? Learn more about Champaign homes for sale and Champaign real estate trends.

25. Erie, Pennsylvania

Located on the southeast end of Lake Erie, the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a picturesque setting that won't break the bank regarding affordability. Whether it's a sailing regatta in the summer or cross-country skiing through miles of trails in the winter, Erie is an excellent setting for an active, fun, outdoor lifestyle.

Housing is 33% lower than the national average, food is 1% lower than the national average in Erie and goods and services are 4% lower in cost. The median household income is $43,135 in Erie.

• Population: 98,200
• Median rent: $789
• Median home sale: $134,750 ($158 median price per square foot)
• Monthly homeowner costs: $781
• Cost of living index: 88.9

Look at Erie homes for sale and Erie real estate trends.

The bottom line

Does this list give you a good starting point? If you're ready to buy a house in one of the above states, start the approval process today with Rocket Mortgage^®.

Methodology: Finding the most affordable cities in the U.S.

Rocket Homes collected and analyzed the most recent data on eight key local and metrowide metrics to give us insight into the top most affordable cities. We analyzed 503 cities across the US that have Rocket Homes listings and represent 73.5% of the US population. The metrics used in this study include median sale price, rent, monthly homeowner costs, overall cost of living index, grocery price index, utilities price index, transportation price index, and median price of a home per square foot. These metrics were chosen based on public data availability and topical relevance. Metrics from the U.S. Census are based on 2022 ACS 1-year estimates.

Each data category was normalized and transformed into a range of points for scoring and comparison. Cities with violent crime rates greater than or equal to 55 and property crime rates greater than or equal to 65 were removed from the ranking. Weights were then applied to each metric depending on their individual importance in the study. The weighted scores for each metric were summed to create the overall Most Affordable City Score for each city. The final scores are sorted to produce the final rankings.

Other metrics considered without weight: