America’s Most Affordable Cities
In today’s tough economy, everyone is doing their best to save money and survive. But if you can’t shake dreams of home ownership or affordable rent, then you might want to consider moving to one of these 20 cities.
1. Weirton, West Virginia
If the bottom line for you is rent price and nothing else, then get ready to call Weirton your home. Located along the Ohio River, this quaint town is known to have solid schools and kind people, and is very safe. Additionally, rent on average is only $528 a month.
2. Anniston, Alabama
They don’t call it sweet home Alabama for nothing. The city of Anniston has everything from history to pretty parks and delectable restaurants. Of course, you can enjoy all those things car-free since homes only cost about $141,000 and the median monthly rent is $513.
Rivers Langley; SaveRivers on Wikimedia
3. Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Located in cozy Pennsylvania, this town has everything from rolling hills, impressive museums, and metropolitan areas. Additionally, it’s one of the cheapest places on this list with monthly rent being around $444, and houses costing about $46,678.
Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States on Wikimedia
4. Springfield, Illinois
If you haven’t heard of Springfield, then it’s worth knowing that this city has a lot going for it. It has a relatively larger population with over 100,000 people, and still manages to keep the median rent under $711, with houses around $150,000.
5. Dothan, Alabama
Alabama strikes again, this time with Dothan, which is the county seat of Houston County. Over 70,000 people call Dothan their home, so the infrastructure is pretty supportive. Plus, rent is around $624 a month, while houses are a bit pricier, averaging at $187,000.
6. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Located along the river in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids has everything from an art museum, to an ice rink, to an impressive library. It’s also impressively affordable at only $715 as the median monthly rent.
7. Fort Smith, Arkansas
Arkansas is known for its booming agricultural economy and quaint roots, and you can get all of that and more at the historic city of Fort Smith. With museums, historic streetcars, and unique architecture, this city is quite affordable at $594 a month for most rentals.
8. Midland, Michigan
This beautiful city in Michigan has a lot to offer, with a little over 42,000 people calling it home. The town is well-designed with beautiful nature spots and metropolitan areas to boast. But it is a bit more pricey than other towns on this list, with the average monthly rent sitting at a cozy $873.
9. St. Joseph, Missouri
St. Joseph is the county seat of Buchanan County in Missouri, and it has a lot to offer. Not only was it the historic home of infamous outlaw Jesse James, but it has plenty of parks and historical landmarks to explore, with rent averaging at $633.
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) on Wikimedia
10. Enid, Oklahoma
Enid is the ninth-largest city in Oklahoma, but despite that, it only boasts a population of 51,308. The economy is fairly strong with a booming agricultural sector, and the best part is that the median monthly rent price is only $647.
11. Florence, South Carolina
If you want to make South Carolina your affordable home, look no further than Florence. With beautiful buildings, a reliable infrastructure, and plenty of natural green spaces, this town offers up a lot at the reasonable rental average of $619 a month.
The Leighton & Valentine Company, New York City (publisher) on Wikimedia
12. Battle Creek, Michigan
Also found in Michigan, Battle Creek is known for its stellar historic scene and bustling infrastructure. The city boasts a population of 52,138 and rental prices at only $703 a month.
13. Evansville, Indiana
With rental prices on the higher end at $949 a month, you’re better off buying here as most houses sit around a $129,100 median. Just be warned that while there is some crime, the nightlife may make it more than worthwhile.
14. Mission, Texas
If you like that Texas heat and culture, then there are plenty of affordable places to live in this large state. For instance, Mission’s median rent is only $699 with house prices being valued at $165,000 on average.
Theunderratedtaco on Wikimedia
15. Joplin, Missouri
Another Missouri town to consider is Joplin, where you can buy a house at just $154,286 or pay rent at an average of $640. While not the safest city around, Joplin does offer artistic museums, historic routes, and even a stunning nature scene.
16. Wichita Falls, Texas
Turns out there are just so many affordable places to live in Texas, and Wichita Falls is another one, especially if you love being near water. The average rent is only $749, while most houses cost under $150,000.
17. Bay City, Michigan
Before you get excited about the other Bay City, know that this one’s pretty different, and far more affordable. Located upriver from the Saginaw Bay, this city boasts cheap rent at $636, with houses valued at only $90,000.
18. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
On the other hand, at a more pricey $1,000 average monthly rent, Broken Arrow still has a lot going for it. It is the largest suburb in Tulsa and is a relatively safe community with hometown charm and family-friendly events.
19. Eagle Pass, Texas
If Mission isn’t the right Texan city for you, then there are fortunately others to choose from. For instance, if you want a smaller affair, consider Eagle Pass, where rent is only $592 on average a month and the population is pretty small—under 30,000.
Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
20. Decatur, Illinois
Officially considered one of the cheapest cities in all of America, the monthly cost of rent on average is just $570. Despite this, most households make about $49,682, while most homes sell for $89,855. So whether you want to rent or buy, this town is the most approachable with a cozy population of 66 thousand.
