Cheapest Places to Buy a Home in the U.S.
Homeownership is a major financial goal for Gen Z, and affordability plays a big role in where people choose to live. These 30 cities stand out for low housing costs, favorable income-to-home ratios, and below-average living expenses. Many are near larger metros, and offer access to jobs, recreation, and all the other big-city perks without big-city prices.
Battle Creek, Michigan
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Battle Creek features rent averaging just $703. It’s located 120 miles from Detroit, and the town sits right where two rivers meet. Median home costs hover around $138,764. Residents spend well below the U.S. average on housing. Binder Park Zoo and FireKeepers Casino anchor weekend entertainment.
Florissant, Missouri
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This eastern Missouri town, settled in 1786, is only 20 miles from St. Louis. Florissant’s $959 median rent is among the highest on this list, but living costs stay manageable due to solid income levels. Its historic architecture has charm, while local residents spend 16.6% of their income on rent.
McAllen, Texas
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Just 70 miles from the Gulf, McAllen’s proximity to beaches and birdwatching hubs is a huge perk. Housing remains affordable; rent averages $783. It’s ranked No. 23 nationally for quality of life. Home values sit over $200,000 below the U.S. average, and the region offers rich cultural and culinary diversity.
Florence, South Carolina
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Florence started as a railway hub in the 1800s. The local pecan festival draws big crowds annually. Rent sits at $619, while home prices fall far below national levels. Residents spend just 12.2% of their income on rent, despite local wages being $18,000 less than the national median.
Harlingen, Texas
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Only minutes from South Padre Island, Harlingen offers beach access without the sticker shock. Monthly rent averages $719, and homeownership remains achievable for most locals. Despite the income being nearly $27,000 below the national level, the city ranks third in the U.S. for overall cost-of-living savings.
Joplin, Missouri
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Grand Falls and Route 66 are all the rage in Joplin. Its $640 average rent and home values near $154,286 make housing highly accessible. It’s positioned near Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, so it’s a central hub with costs over 50% lower than the national average. Outdoor life thrives along Shoal Creek.
St. Joseph, Missouri
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St. Joseph, birthplace of the Pony Express, keeps things affordable with $633 median rent. Home costs average $214,000 less than national levels. It’s just an hour from Kansas City. Although incomes trail the national average by $20,000, residents benefit from a strong affordability ranking and rich frontier history.
Dothan, Alabama
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Near Alabama’s southeastern border, Dothan has an average rent of $624, among the lowest nationally. Housing eats up only 13% of the average income. The city is known for its National Peanut Festival, and celebrates local agriculture with style.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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In Cedar Rapids, the average rent sits at $715. Residents spend just 12.2% of their income on rent. Attractions include the Czech and Slovak Museum and miles of green trails. Despite income being $9,000 less than national norms, this city ranks high for affordable living.
Toledo, Ohio
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Toledo, a manufacturing hub rebounding fast, keeps rent near $750 and offers homes for nearly $200,000 less than national averages. The city borders Lake Erie and features the nationally acclaimed Toledo Museum of Art. Housing demand surged in 2025, with average listings selling in just over five weeks.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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With 120+ miles of trails and a thriving downtown, Fort Wayne ranks as one of Indiana’s most livable cities. Rent averages $850, while the cost of living falls nearly 15% below national norms. Median income nears $64,000 and gives residents more spending flexibility than similar-sized Midwest metros.
Shreveport, Louisiana
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Louisiana’s third-largest city delivers savings and Southern heritage. Home prices sit far below U.S. averages, and rent hovers around $850. Despite economic challenges, Shreveport’s low housing burden makes it an affordable choice. Casinos, the Red River District, and a lively local music scene enrich free time without stretching budgets.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Kalamazoo, home to the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship program, helps families and budgets alike. Rent averages under $900. Housing costs remain accessible even with rising demand from remote workers. Local breweries, a walkable downtown, and outdoor parks draw new residents while the cost of living remains around 14% below national benchmarks.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Incomes stretch further in Sioux Falls, where rent averages $950 and housing prices remain modest. The city consistently ranks high for job growth and quality of life. A revitalized riverwalk and low unemployment help make it one of the best-balanced affordable cities in the U.S. Midwest.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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This Appalachian town has just 18,000 people but plenty of affordability. Rent is the lowest here at $444. Home values average $46,678. Though once a hub for steel innovation, Johnstown now supports a growing artisan scene.
Wichita Falls, Texas
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Circle Trail’s 20-mile loop travels through neighborhoods and streams. Rent averages $749, and home costs are $222,000 under the national benchmark. First-gen college students thrive at Midwestern State University. Though incomes trail the U.S. median, Wichita Falls ranks in the top 2% nationally for overall cost of living.
Katy, Texas
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With income topping $124,000, Katy leads this list financially. Rent is $1,196—the second highest here—but residents spend only 11.6% of their salary on it. Since it’s near Houston, the area features wildlife preserves and top schools.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Tulsa’s neighbor, Broken Arrow, has small-city character and economic opportunities. Rent hits $1,000, with home values ranking third highest on this list. Median income of $86,442 keeps expenses manageable. Nature trails and veteran memorials are central to community life. It ranks No. 12 on the national quality-of-life list.
League City, Texas
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League City sits along Clear Lake, near Houston and Galveston. Rent averages $1,231, but income levels are strong at $120,670. Local perks include science centers and easy Gulf access.
Laredo, Texas
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Laredo thrives on international trade. Rent runs $795, and housing costs are among the lowest in Texas. Income levels are modest, yet housing remains well within reach. Outdoor access to Lake Casa Blanca and proximity to Mexico are part of its cross-cultural appeal.
Midland, Michigan
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Architecture fans flock to Midland for its midcentury homes and treetop canopy walk. Rent runs about $873. Though incomes are slightly under the U.S. average, housing remains accessible. Dow Gardens and the Chippewa Nature Center add charm without inflating living costs.
Anniston, Alabama
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Anniston, a city rich in civil rights history, has an average rent of just $513. Home prices are low, yet incomes are $30,000 under national norms. Murals and memorials preserve the Freedom Riders’ legacy. With minimal rent burdens, Anniston proves affordable even for lower earners.
Fort Smith, Arkansas
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Once a military outpost, Fort Smith honors its Old West past through landmarks and preserved Victorian homes. Rent is $594, but home-value-to-income ratios are tight. Still, the Arkansas River city ranks near the top for cost-effective living, despite salaries trailing the national norm by $25,000.
Eagle Pass, Texas
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“Mexico’s Door” offers binational culture and affordability. Rent runs at $592, with average home costs significantly under national levels. It’s located on the Rio Grande and has a cost-of-living rank of No. 5. Though income levels are low, housing remains proportionally accessible to most residents.
Bay City, Michigan
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On the banks of the Saginaw River, Bay City offers waterfront living for less. Rent averages $636, and property values are among the lowest nationally. Antiques markets and riverside parks create a charming atmosphere.
Mission, Texas
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Mission, known for citrus harvests and cultural festivals, keeps rent around $699. Homeownership costs are low, while cost-of-living ranks in the top 10 nationally. With incomes below the national average by $19,000, affordability matters. Fortunately, locals spend a small portion of their earnings on housing.
Springfield, Illinois
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Considering that it’s a hub of presidential history, Springfield still offers affordable homes with rent near $711. Housing expenses are minimal compared to national averages. Despite a median income nearly $15,000 less than U.S. norms, this capital city remains a budget-friendly choice with access to state government, fairgrounds, and historical attractions.
Weirton, West Virginia
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Near Pittsburgh, Weirton’s rent is just $528. Residents spend only 11.1% of their salaries on housing, the lowest on this list. Home values remain low, and the Ohio River region offers rural peace with city access. Weirton also leads the U.S. News affordability metric for 2025.
Enid, Oklahoma
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Horseshoe pits and public art installations make Enid a surprising standout. Rent stays around $647. Enid even earned the No. 2 affordability rank in the country. It’s located between Tulsa and Wichita, and offers proximity to big cities.
Decatur, Illinois
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Topping the list for affordability, Decatur offers $570 rent and home costs at just one-fourth of the national levels. It’s located in central Illinois, which is three hours from Chicago. Despite incomes lagging behind the U.S. median, residents enjoy top-tier affordability, access to Lake Decatur, and a rich industrial history.