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Where are affordable places to live in the USA?
I work remotely and I'm looking to cut back on my housing costs and general living costs. I would like an area that is medium-sized, but otherwise, I'm pretty open.
Asked By Liv | i don't know, FL | 2015 views | Affordable Housing | Updated 2 months ago
Answer(20)
Daniela Wilson
Keller Williams Allen
Texas is known for offering a cost of living that is below the national average, making it a good option for people looking for relocating. Housing costs, including rent prices and home purchase prices, tend to be more affordable compared to many other states, additionally, everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, healthcare, and entertainment are typically more manageable here.
The combination of a lower cost of living, strong economy, diverse job market, and unparalleled quality of life make Texas an incredibly enticing choice for those seeking a new place. Plus is a state with no income tax like Florida.
I live in Dallas and I love it, but if you are interested in a smaller city, I highly recommend San Antonio.
The combination of a lower cost of living, strong economy, diverse job market, and unparalleled quality of life make Texas an incredibly enticing choice for those seeking a new place. Plus is a state with no income tax like Florida.
I live in Dallas and I love it, but if you are interested in a smaller city, I highly recommend San Antonio.
- 1 year ago
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Cathy Verne
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate
There are a lot of variables that go into that question. You need to check into property taxes and cost of living in an area. Also, what is your price range and what are you looking for. Do you want to be centrally located or near one of the coasts. I am licensed in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. If you have any interest in those areas, let me know. I would love to help.
- 1 year ago
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Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Affordability depends on what you value most, but some of the most budget-friendly areas include parts of the Midwest and South such as Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. Florida still has affordable pockets inland from the coast, too. Working with a local agent can help you compare housing costs, property taxes, and lifestyle benefits.
- 2 months ago
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Lisa and Greg Harris
eXp Realty, LLC
SC has been in the top 3 states for the last 11 years for the most amount of moves to our state! Part of that reason is Affordability! The taxes are lower and the cost of living is lower. We have a lot of clients moving to the Columbia, SC and surrounding areas, for the higher-rated schools and the great cost of living! You can get into a newer construction home in this area around 2300 sq ft for around $350,000 on average at this time! Please let me know if I can help!
- 1 year ago
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Jaden Utter
Plum Tree
Generally the Midwest and parts of the South. Smaller cities and rural areas in states like Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas tend to have lower home prices, lower taxes, and lower overall cost of living. Secondary cities and towns outside major metros are usually far more affordable than coastal or large urban markets.
Big coastal cities and tourist-heavy areas are typically the least affordable.
Big coastal cities and tourist-heavy areas are typically the least affordable.
- 2 weeks ago
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Edward Behr
Behr and Behr of The Platinum Group, Eealtors
If you work remotely and want to lower your housing and overall living costs, there are actually quite a few mid-sized U.S. cities that balance affordability, quality of life, and solid infrastructure. The key is looking just outside the biggest metros or in regions that have steady growth but haven’t been fully priced out yet.
A lot of remote workers start by looking at places like Colorado Springs. It’s a mid-sized city with lower costs than Denver, strong internet infrastructure, and access to outdoor lifestyle without big-city pricing. Housing costs are still reasonable compared to major coastal markets, and utilities and taxes tend to be more manageable than in larger metros.
In the Midwest, cities like Kansas City and Omaha are popular for remote workers who want stable job markets, good healthcare, and significantly lower housing costs. These areas offer walkable neighborhoods, growing food scenes, and home prices that are often far below national averages.
If warmer weather is a priority, places like Tucson and Albuquerque tend to come up often. They’re mid-sized, have strong cultural identities, and generally offer lower home prices and day-to-day expenses compared to larger Sun Belt cities. The tradeoff is heat and, in some cases, older housing stock.
In the Southeast, cities such as Chattanooga and Huntsville have gained attention for affordability, strong internet connectivity, and growing populations. These areas often appeal to remote workers who want lower taxes and a slower pace without being truly rural.
The biggest thing to watch isn’t just home prices—it’s total cost of living. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, healthcare access, and even commuting costs (if you still travel occasionally) can swing affordability more than purchase price alone. Climate, infrastructure, and long-term growth also matter if you plan to stay put for a while.
If you’re flexible, the sweet spot tends to be mid-sized cities with growing populations but without major coastal pricing pressure. That’s where you’ll usually find the best balance between affordability, lifestyle, and stability.
A lot of remote workers start by looking at places like Colorado Springs. It’s a mid-sized city with lower costs than Denver, strong internet infrastructure, and access to outdoor lifestyle without big-city pricing. Housing costs are still reasonable compared to major coastal markets, and utilities and taxes tend to be more manageable than in larger metros.
In the Midwest, cities like Kansas City and Omaha are popular for remote workers who want stable job markets, good healthcare, and significantly lower housing costs. These areas offer walkable neighborhoods, growing food scenes, and home prices that are often far below national averages.
If warmer weather is a priority, places like Tucson and Albuquerque tend to come up often. They’re mid-sized, have strong cultural identities, and generally offer lower home prices and day-to-day expenses compared to larger Sun Belt cities. The tradeoff is heat and, in some cases, older housing stock.
In the Southeast, cities such as Chattanooga and Huntsville have gained attention for affordability, strong internet connectivity, and growing populations. These areas often appeal to remote workers who want lower taxes and a slower pace without being truly rural.
The biggest thing to watch isn’t just home prices—it’s total cost of living. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, healthcare access, and even commuting costs (if you still travel occasionally) can swing affordability more than purchase price alone. Climate, infrastructure, and long-term growth also matter if you plan to stay put for a while.
If you’re flexible, the sweet spot tends to be mid-sized cities with growing populations but without major coastal pricing pressure. That’s where you’ll usually find the best balance between affordability, lifestyle, and stability.
- 3 weeks ago
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Christy Robinson
Keller Williams Realty Little Rock
Here are some medium-sized cities or regions with lower housing and living costs — often attractive for remote workers (I'm located in Arkansas):
🏙️ Affordable & Livable Cities
Based on recent cost-of-living data:
📍 Detroit, Michigan
One of the most affordable cities in the U.S.
Costs ~20–25% below national average.
Forbes
📍 Cleveland & Akron, Ohio
Low monthly costs and housing values.
Forbes
📍 Toledo, Ohio
Known for very low home prices.
Nasdaq
📍 El Paso, Texas
Affordable cost with a warm climate.
Forbes
📍 Oklahoma City, OK
Low cost of living with metro amenities.
Visual Capitalist
📍 Little Rock, Arkansas
Urban amenities and lower housing costs — good option for remote workers.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Fort Wayne, IN / Wichita, KS / Davenport, IA
Smaller mid-sized cities with very affordable housing.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Huntsville, AL
Growing tech jobs + affordable living.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Rochester, NY
Lower cost rent & housing compared to many cities.
Forbes
🏡 Smaller, Ultra-Affordable Places
If you’re okay with smaller cities/towns:
Tupelo, MS — consistently low cost of living.
Visual Capitalist
Harlingen / McAllen, TX — very affordable monthly costs.
Move.org
Salina, KS / Muskogee, OK / Ponca City, OK — among the lowest cost indexes.
Reddit
💡 Tips for Choosing
When weighing affordability + quality of life, consider:
Job opportunities
Internet reliability (if remote work depends on it)
Healthcare access
Climate and personal lifestyle
Taxes (income, property, sales)
Final Quick Summary
✔ Shed: Likely stays unless detached and specified in contract.
✔ Mortgage savings: Shop lenders, improve credit, buy points wisely, refinance options.
✔ Home inspection: Highly recommended unless very low-risk situation.
✔ Affordable cities: Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, El Paso, OKC, Little Rock, Fort Wayne, Huntsville, and others offer good value for remote workers.
🏙️ Affordable & Livable Cities
Based on recent cost-of-living data:
📍 Detroit, Michigan
One of the most affordable cities in the U.S.
Costs ~20–25% below national average.
Forbes
📍 Cleveland & Akron, Ohio
Low monthly costs and housing values.
Forbes
📍 Toledo, Ohio
Known for very low home prices.
Nasdaq
📍 El Paso, Texas
Affordable cost with a warm climate.
Forbes
📍 Oklahoma City, OK
Low cost of living with metro amenities.
Visual Capitalist
📍 Little Rock, Arkansas
Urban amenities and lower housing costs — good option for remote workers.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Fort Wayne, IN / Wichita, KS / Davenport, IA
Smaller mid-sized cities with very affordable housing.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Huntsville, AL
Growing tech jobs + affordable living.
Cost Living Explorer
📍 Rochester, NY
Lower cost rent & housing compared to many cities.
Forbes
🏡 Smaller, Ultra-Affordable Places
If you’re okay with smaller cities/towns:
Tupelo, MS — consistently low cost of living.
Visual Capitalist
Harlingen / McAllen, TX — very affordable monthly costs.
Move.org
Salina, KS / Muskogee, OK / Ponca City, OK — among the lowest cost indexes.
💡 Tips for Choosing
When weighing affordability + quality of life, consider:
Job opportunities
Internet reliability (if remote work depends on it)
Healthcare access
Climate and personal lifestyle
Taxes (income, property, sales)
Final Quick Summary
✔ Shed: Likely stays unless detached and specified in contract.
✔ Mortgage savings: Shop lenders, improve credit, buy points wisely, refinance options.
✔ Home inspection: Highly recommended unless very low-risk situation.
✔ Affordable cities: Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, El Paso, OKC, Little Rock, Fort Wayne, Huntsville, and others offer good value for remote workers.
- 1 month ago
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Richard McKinney
RE/MAX GOLD
You should definitely consider Port St Lucie, Florida. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and one of the most affordable areas in Florida. Beautiful beaches and great weather year round. You can get a brand new 2,000 sq ft home for under 450k minutes to everything you need.
- 1 year ago
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Bethe Frazer
Coldwell Banker Realtors
There are many affordable places to live in the US. I would suggest taking some time and write down what you would like to have around you, also you work remote, but if you didn't you also should consider is where you living does it have a good job center if remote was not an option. Do you want to be by mountains, beach, lakes, parks & recreation, warm climate, cool climate, or both. Rural or metropolitan. Spread sheets work great for this, and then find the states that match up with what you like, and out of those see which is the most affordable. Also, besides sale price, taxes, also consider home owners insurance. For example, homes may be cheaper in Florida, and taxes less, but your home owners insurance could be double what taxes are, versus someplace like NC, where taxes may be higher but home owners insurance is less. Overall, the middle of the country, and southern east coast (SC, NC, GA, FL) are considered reasonable.
- 2 weeks ago
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Lindsey Flynn
Century 21 Signature realty
Check out Saginaw, Michigan!
- 1 year ago
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Jessica Gratzl
Keller Williams Pinnacle
The St. Louis metro area is a great option for affordability, including both the Metro East on the Illinois side and suburban Missouri. Home prices on both sides of the river are well below the national average, and you still get a medium-sized metro with solid amenities, healthcare, culture, and short commute times. The Metro East (Illinois) often has lower home prices, which makes it appealing for buyers and remote workers. However, Illinois does have higher property taxes, so while purchase prices are lower, annual tax costs can be higher than in Missouri.
On the Missouri side, property taxes are generally lower, and some buyers prefer that trade-off even if home prices are slightly higher. Overall, the St. Louis region offers strong value ; it really comes down to total cost of ownership and which side of the river fits your priorities.
On the Missouri side, property taxes are generally lower, and some buyers prefer that trade-off even if home prices are slightly higher. Overall, the St. Louis region offers strong value ; it really comes down to total cost of ownership and which side of the river fits your priorities.
- 1 month ago
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James J Zito III
Zito Realty LLC
Port Saint Lucie Florida,Vero Beach Florida,West Palm Beach Florida
- 1 year ago
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Brooke Rozell
Capstone Realty
Huntsville Al
- 2 months ago
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Sheila Foster
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors
East Texas is an affordable area to live. East Texas has something for everyone. Want a city? There's beautiful Tyler or Longview. Prefer a pretty town square? There is Henderson, Athens, Jefferson, Marshall, Mineola, Kilgore, Nacogdoches, etc. East Texas offers true Southern hospitality, gorgeous scenery, a lower cost of living, affordable homes, and tons of outdoor adventures.
- 2 months ago
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Gertrude James
Coldwell Banker Bain of Bellingham
Texas, Atlanta, Oklahoma
- 1 year ago
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Elda Johnson
Allison and Associates REALTORS
You should really look into Tulsa, OK. It is a diverse community and you can find really great homes and even new builds under $400,000.00
- 1 year ago
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Jeanne Scholl
EXIT Inspired Real Estate
NEFL is a great option
- 1 year ago
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Lara Dolan
Ansley Real Estate | Christies International
Liv, since you are in Florida consider coming a bit North to Georgia. There are some areas within an hour of Atlanta that still have excellent affordability, great schools, safety, good weather and great people! We are in Milton/Alpharetta which are expensive, but areas south of the City such as Fayetteville and Newnan, plus northern areas including Kennesaw, Dawsonville, and parts of Cumming or Canton have great affordability.
- 2 months ago
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Panna Patel
Epique Realty
Many parts of North Carolina. You can get to the mountains, beaches, or major cities in a couple of hours. Reach out for more details.
- 2 months ago
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Tara Santillanez
McGraw Realtors
If affordability is a top priority, Arkansas is one of the strongest contenders. You can stretch your budget farther here - for housing, daily expenses, and even retirement. Just keep in mind that while cost is low, so are some wages in more rural parts; but for many people, it's a very attractive place to live affordably without sacrificing too much. I currently reside in Hot Springs Village & love it. The Village offers exceptional value, making it a strong option for retirees, second home buyers and investors seeking lifestyle amenities without the high price tag. It's a great blend of affordability and luxury living. There has never been a better time to start your search, contact me today to find the perfect home or investment property and make Arkansas your next smart move.
- 2 months ago
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