Most Affordable U.S. Cities to Live in Right Now

These affordable cities are the places to go if you’re tired of rising housing prices and outrageous costs of living.

25 Most Affordable U.S. Cities to Live Right Now

Inflation is hammering people across the globe, and that includes the United States.

With gas, food and other prices skyrocketing, many Americans have been forced to tighten their belts or, in some cases, seek out cheaper pastures. People have been migrating south and west — or east if they live on the West Coast — in search of a cheaper cost of living and more mild weather. Plus, with the rise in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic and few affordable housing options in major markets, there’s never been a better time to move.

But what cities will give you the most bang for your buck? There is no shortage of options, but here’s a look at the 25 most affordable places to live in the United States in 2022, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Looking to buy a home? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

25. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Desirability: 5.7

Value: 7.7

Job Market:

Quality of Life: 5.6

Overall Score: 6.2

* Data was sourced from U.S. News & World Report's 2022 list.

What Makes Baton Rouge So Affordable

Baton Rouge Bridge Over Mississippi River

Louisiana is one of the most tax-friendly states for Americans, and Baton Rouge’s median housing prices are below the national average. Baton Rouge is the state capital, is home of Louisiana State University and is about an hour north of New Orleans, which means there’s no shortage of things to do year-round.

The weather, specifically during hurricane season, can get treacherous though, and that humidity is no joke.

Looking to buy a home in Baton Rouge? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

24. Syracuse, New York

Desirability: 5.7

Value: 7.7

Job Market: 6.5

Quality of Life: 7.1

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Syracuse So Affordable

Syracuse, like Baton Rouge, is a college town with extreme weather. Located in Central New York, almost exactly between Albany and Buffalo, Syracuse gets some of the most intense winters in the U.S., which drives people away from living there year-round.

That is why median housing costs are far lower than the national average despite a surplus of things to do, including entertainment, minor-league sports — and Division 1 sports at Syracuse University — and culture, too.

Looking to buy a home in Syracuse? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

23. Kansas City, Missouri

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 7.7

Job Market: 7.2

Quality of Life: 6

Overall Score: 6.7

What Makes Kansas City So Affordable

Kansas City Missouri Fountain at Country Club Plaza

Kansas City is a really nice city, far smaller and more affordable than other midwest metropolises like Chicago. As such, median monthly rents and housing costs are far more affordable in K.C. than in other major cities, despite the fact that its metro area has more than 2 million people, spanning two states, for the 31st largest market in the nation.

That might be why Kansas City is growing extremely fast.

Looking to buy a home in Kansas City? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

22. St. Louis, Missouri

Desirability: 5.5

Value: 7.7

Job Market: 7

Quality of Life: 5.4

Overall Score: 6.3

What Makes St. Louis So Affordable

Gateway Arch In St. Louis, Missouri, USA

St. Louis is actually a bigger market than Kansas City yet is slightly more affordable thanks to a below-median housing average.

St. Louis is annually among the most dangerous cities in America, which is a major drawback to the quality of life there, but it has no shortage of industry or entertainment options — two major-league sports teams call the city home.

Looking to buy a home in St. Louis? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

21. Youngstown, Ohio

Desirability: 5.1

Value: 7.8

Job Market: 5.0

Quality of Life: 6.3

Overall Score: 6.1

What Makes Youngstown So Affordable

Youngstown’s affordability stems from its significantly below-average median housing prices — which as of 2022 sit at less than $100,000. Yet, like Syracuse, the winters can be cruel, as Youngstown sits about halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, where temps average about 28 degrees Fahrenheit every day in the winter.

Youngstown is an older city, whose median age is about 40 but is also mostly single people — 51 percent of the city's population is unmarried.

Looking to buy a home in Youngstown? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

20. Louisville, Kentucky

Desirability: 6.3

Value: 7.8

Job Market: 6.6

Quality of Life: 5.8

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Louisville So Affordable

Louisville is one of the most unique cities in the nation, with museums, a college, a legendary horse racetrack and much more inside its city limits. Plus, Louisville has a significantly below-market median housing average — we're talking about half the average price of homes in the U.S. right now.

The city consists of mostly middle-aged people, and although it does get snow, is milder than other cities on the list.

Looking to buy a home in Louisville? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

19. Lexington/Fayetteville, Kentucky

Desirability: 5.9

Value: 7.8

Job Market: 6.8

Quality of Life: 6.9

Overall Score: 6.9

What Makes Lexington/Fayetteville So Affordable

Like many of the cities above, Lexington is a college town, home of the University of Kentucky, with a low unemployment rate and very inexpensive median rent cost.

Lexington is growing, which is creating an uptick in the cost of living, yet it's still very affordable compared to the national average.

Looking to buy a home in Lexington? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

18. Spartanburg, South Carolina

Desirability: 5.9

Value: 7.8

Job Market: 6.4

Quality of Life: 6.5

Overall Score: 7.0

What Makes Spartanburg So Affordable

South Carolina is one of the most affordable states in the nation, which is why many people are eschewing Florida, California and Arizona and retiring in the Palmetto State. Spartanburg was ranked the top city to live in South Carolina by U.S. News and World Report.

It's one of the fastest-growing metro regions in the nation, which means if you want to go, you better do so while the median home price (about $150,000) is well below the national average.

Looking to buy a home in Spartanburg? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

17. Buffalo, New York

Desirability: 6.6

Value: 7.8

Job Market: 5.9

Quality of Life: 6.8

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Buffalo So Affordable

Buffalo has some of the harshest winters in the U.S., with lake-effect snow creating blizzards from mid-fall well into the spring.

But despite that and New York’s high property and income taxes, Buffalo is very affordable thanks to below-average rents and housing prices as well as below-average costs in gas, groceries and other everyday commodities.

Looking to buy a home in Buffalo? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

16. Greenville, South Carolina

Desirability: 6.1

Value: 7.9

Job Market: 6.7

Quality of Life: 6.3

Overall Score: 6.9

What Makes Greenville So Affordable

Table Rock State Park, South Carolina, USA Autumn Landscape

As stated above, South Carolina is attracting retirees and others in search of lower costs of living with a friendly tax policy. Greenville is just 30 miles west of Spartanburg yet has a substantially higher median house price cost; however, its median home price is still below the national average.

Greenville has attracted corporations like Michelin and GE, which further drives down taxes in the city, yet it does also have a lower-than-average median salary. Still, it seems to be a great place for married families since more than 52 percent of the city is made up of wedded couples.

Looking to buy a home in Greenville? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

15. Omaha, Nebraska

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 7.9

Job Market: 7.6

Quality of Life: 6.8

Overall Score: 7.0

What Makes Omaha So Affordable

Omaha has a lot going on. It is a college town, home to Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, which adds culture and things to do. It also has a lower-than-average median rent price and housing cost.

Nebraskans face fees and taxes for owning cars, which dents the cost of living in the state, yet Omaha makes up for it with its average annual salary of about $50,000, which is better than other comparably sized markets.

14. Kalamazoo, Michigan

Desirability: 5.4

Value: 7.9

Job Market: 6.4

Quality of Life: 7

Overall Score: 6.7

What Makes Kalamazoo So Affordable

Kalamazoo has frigid winters and a high unemployment rate yet counters that with very inexpensive rents and median housing prices that are about half of the national average.

Income and sales taxes in Michigan are also low, creating a hotbed for single people.

Looking to buy a home in Kalamazoo? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

13. Cincinnati, Ohio

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 8.0

Job Market: 6.9

Quality of Life: 6.6

Overall Score: 6.7

What Makes Cincinnati So Affordable

Downtown Cincinnati Ohio Colorful Pubs and Restaurants

Cincinnati is one of the most desirable places to live in Ohio, with jobs, dining, cultural options as well as entertainment and major professional sports. Cincinnati still offers below-average median home and rent prices while also being a top-30 U.S. market.

This means it has all of the fun of a major city but is far more affordable than other comparably sized markets.

Looking to buy a home in Cincinnati? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

12. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Skyline and Park Aerial at Dusk

Desirability: 5.4

Value: 8.1

Job Market: 7.0

Quality of Life: 5.8

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Indianapolis So Affordable

See Cincinnati. Indianapolis is a Cincinnati comp in terms of size and pro-sports options. Cincinnati has major-league football, baseball and soccer teams and a minor-league hockey club plus college teams, while Indy has major-league football and basketball and minor-league hockey and baseball plus college clubs.

Still, Indianapolis has far-lower housing prices and slightly higher rents than Cincy but is far more walkable, despite the fact that 85 percent of the population drives to work.

Looking to buy a home in Indianapolis? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

11. Peoria, Illinois

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 8.1

Job Market: 6.3

Quality of Life: 6.7

Overall Score: 6.5

What Makes Peoria So Affordable

Peoria sits about halfway between Chicago and St. Louis and has a much-higher average wage than most comparably sized cities. Plus, Peoria has a far-cheaper average housing price as well as extremely low median rent prices, which is why it is among the top-12 cities, financially, in the nation.

Peoria has had relatively flat housing costs while the national average has taken off.

Looking to buy a home in Peoria? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 8.1

Job Market: 7.4

Quality of Life: 7.2

Overall Score: 7.3

What Makes Fayetteville So Affordable

Row of colorful garden homes in suburban area

Fayetteville is the home of the University of Arkansas and also sits within striking distance of the corporate offices for Walmart in Bentonville and Tyson Foods in Springdale. Thus, U.S. News & World Report ranks the area as the No. 4 place to live in the United States.

It has reasonably priced housing and rents, and although median salaries are below comparably sized markets, it has a low unemployment rate, too.

Looking to buy a home in Fayetteville? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA River and Skyline — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA downtown city skyline on the rivers at dusk.

Desirability: 6.0

Value: 8.1

Job Market: 6.1

Quality of Life: 6.4

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Pittsburgh So Affordable

pittsburgh,pennsylvania,usa. 2017-08-20, beautiful pittsburgh at twilight.

Pittsburgh has evolved from a steel city into a tech metropolis that has made it the envy of other midwestern cities. The city is highly walkable, and although its housing market is blowing up, Pittsburgh’s average rent and median house price are still far below the national average.

In short, Pittsburgh is a great, affordable place to live, but that could change in the next decade.

Looking to buy a home in Pittsburgh? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

8. South Bend, Indiana

Desirability: 5.6

Value: 8.2

Job Market: 6.0

Quality of Life: 6.2

Overall Score: 6.5

What Makes South Bend So Affordable

South Bend is famously home to the University of Notre Dame and is just a two-hour drive to Chicago, which gives residents strong cultural options when looking for things to do during their downtime.

Plus, Indiana, which has three cities in the top-12 on this list, is tax-friendly and cheap for those who choose to live there. South Bend, despite its higher-than-average unemployment rate, has low median rent costs and an average house price that is far below the national average, which makes it a financially friendly place to live.

Looking to buy a home in South Bend? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

7. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Downtown Skyline

Desirability: 5.5

Value: 8.2

Job Market: 6.3

Quality of Life: 7.4

Overall Score: 6.9

What Makes Grand Rapids So Affordable

It might seem hard to believe, but Grand Rapids has about 1 million people in its metro area, and it is extremely affordable for a market that size. Grand Rapids’ median housing price is below the national average but not so far below that homeowners can’t recoup value. Its median monthly rent price is about $100 below the national average.

Plus, Grand Rapids’ city center sits about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, which makes summers far more pleasant than the winters that include lake-effect snow.

Looking to buy a home in Grand Rapids? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

6. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Downtown Green Bay Wisconsin city lights at twilight

Desirability: 6.0

Value: 8.2

Job Market: 6.9

Quality of Life: 7.3

Overall Score: 7.1

What Makes Green Bay So Affordable

Make no mistake, Green Bay is cold. It sits on its own Green Bay portion of Lake Michigan, which accounts for snow and frigid winds that make the winters treacherous. Still, the city has low costs of housing, with median rents and home prices far below the national average, despite the fact it has an unemployment rate that is above the national average.

The NFL’s Packers obviously give the city added self-esteem, and it is about two hours from Madison, Milwaukee or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and only about four hours from the Twin Cities, which makes summer getaways a snap.

Looking to buy a home in Green Bay? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

5. Des Moines, Iowa

Desirability: 5.9

Value: 8.3

Job Market: 7.5

Quality of Life: 6.7

Overall Score: 7.2

What Makes Des Moines So Affordable

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and is a much smaller metro market than places like St. Louis, Kansas City or even Omaha, which means it has a far cheaper cost of living. Des Moines’ average home price is about $50,000 cheaper than the median national average, has slightly below-average rent costs and a low unemployment rate, especially in the city’s downtown area.

Still, like most areas on this list, the region is quickly growing, which means get in if you’re interested while it’s still affordable.

Looking to buy a home in Des Moines? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

4. Hickory, North Carolina

Desirability: 6.0

Value: 8.3

Job Market: 5.8

Quality of Life: 6.5

Overall Score: 6.7

What Makes Hickory So Affordable

Hickory sits at the start of the Smoky Mountains, about an hour north of Charlotte and east of Asheville, which are each growing at an incredible rate. Hickory has below-median wages but also far-below-average home and rent prices, although new construction has been tricky given the plethora of state and federally held lands.

The region is booming though as northerners migrate south looking for warmer weather, a cheaper cost of living and a slower lifestyle.

Looking to buy a home in Hickory? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

3. Quad Cities, Illinois/Iowa

Desirability: 5.2

Value: 8.4

Job Market: 6.2

Quality of Life: 6.4

Overall Score: 6.5

What Makes Quad Cities So Affordable

It might seem odd to have a region that spans multiple states on the list, but here we are. Despite higher-than-average taxes in each state, the Quad Cities region boasts substantially below-average rental prices thanks to a small metro population of about 400,000 as of May 2022.

The region has a thriving arts and entertainment scene though, which is buoyed by the TaxSlayer Center, a 12,000-seat arena that hosts concerts plus a minor-league hockey team and arena football team.

2. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Desirability: 5.4

Value: 8.6

Job Market: 6.3

Quality of Life: 6.0

Overall Score: 6.6

What Makes Fort Wayne So Affordable

Lake Side Park, Rose Garden, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Night Shot

The median salary in Fort Wayne is less than the national average, but the metro area counters this with its very low cost of living, including cheap median housing costs that are more than half of the national average plus rent costs that are far below the median in the United States.

Fort Wayne does have an above-average unemployment rate but sits about 160 miles from midwest metropoles Detroit, Chicago and Columbus, and it's 120 miles from Indianapolis, giving families and those interested in long-weekending a collection of great options.

Looking to buy a home in Fort Wayne? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.

1. Huntsville, Alabama

Desirability: 5.5

Value: 8.7

Job Market: 8.1

Quality of Life: 7.0

Overall Score: 7.4

What Makes Huntsville So Affordable

U.S. Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, AL with highway

Huntsville, according to U.S. News and World Report, is the No. 3 place to live in America thanks in part to its remarkably low cost of living. Housing prices are about half of the national average, and median rents are about $200 per month less costly than those in the United States; plus, the city has a below-average unemployment rate.

Huntsville is a college town that’s also home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Huntsville is growing quickly, mostly with married couples and families, which make up 52 percent of the demographic, but should remain among the most affordable cities for years to come.

Looking to buy a home in Huntsville? Check out BEX Realty to search real estate listings, find condos and homes for sale, and work with their unequalled realtors and concierge service throughout the home buying process.