Where are affordable places to live in the USA?

Liv, since you work remotely, you have an advantage I wish more buyers had: you can choose where you live based on the lifestyle and monthly cost you actually want instead of where your job tells you to live. I wouldn't start with a generic list of the “10 cheapest cities,” though. I'd first figure out what affordable means for you—your housing budget, whether you want to rent or buy, preferred climate, airport access, outdoor activities, healthcare, taxes and how much of a city you actually want. Then I'd compare total cost of living rather than home prices alone. A $300k house isn't necessarily inexpensive if insurance, property taxes or transportation costs are high. Liv, I'd narrow the country down to three or four areas that fit your lifestyle and budget and spend some time in each before making a move. You're in the rare position of being able to choose the life first and the location second—I'd take advantage of that.

Liv, twenty eight people have already named cities, so I am not going to give you a twenty ninth list. Those lists were written for a different market. Here is something that will still work in five years: the four numbers that actually decide whether a place is affordable for you, and for a remote worker the purchase price is not one of them. 1. Effective property tax rate. This never goes away, it rises as your assessed value rises, and it varies across states by more than a factor of five. Hawaii runs around 0.27 percent of value and Alabama around 0.38 percent, while New Jersey is around 2.2 percent and Illinois is close behind. On a 400,000 dollar house that is roughly 1,080 dollars a year versus roughly 8,800 dollars a year. That single gap is bigger than most people's entire imagined savings from moving. 2. Homeowners insurance. This is now the fastest moving housing cost in the country. National averages run between 2,500 and 3,100 dollars a year depending on the survey, after a roughly 12 percent jump in 2025 and another increase projected for 2026. Florida averages north of 7,000, Louisiana near 6,000, Oklahoma near 5,000. In those states insurance can exceed the property tax bill. Never estimate this one. Get a real quote on a real address. 3. State income tax. For a remote worker earning a coastal salary this is often the single largest line item in the decision, larger than the mortgage difference. Nine states have no state income tax: Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alaska and New Hampshire. 4. Insurability, which is a different question from insurance cost. In wildfire and hurricane exposed markets the real question is whether any carrier will write you at all and whether they will renew. Florida has led the country in nonrenewal rate, with Louisiana behind it. Ask an independent agent how many carriers will quote that ZIP code, not just what the premium is. Now the remote worker traps nobody in this thread raised. Watch the convenience of the employer rule. As of 2026 reporting, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Arkansas, Connecticut, Nebraska and Massachusetts can tax a remote employee as if every day were worked at the employer's office when the arrangement is for the employee's convenience rather than the employer's necessity. Work for a New York employer and move to Nevada and you can end up paying New York tax with no home state credit to offset it, because Nevada has no tax to credit against. Confirm with a CPA before you sign anything. Get written employer approval for the specific state. Many employers restrict which states they permit, because your presence creates payroll registration, tax nexus and sometimes licensing obligations for them. Verify broadband at the address, not the city. Coverage maps are advertised at a block level and are frequently wrong. Ask the neighbors what they actually get. One more: cheap places are often cheap because local wages are low, so if the remote job ends you may be forced to move again. Practical exercise: pick three finalist cities, price the same 400,000 dollar house in each, then write out annual property tax, a real insurance quote, state income tax on your actual salary, and travel costs to see family or an occasional office. Total them. The winner is very often not the city with the cheapest homes. My name is Zoltan Peresztegi and I sell real estate on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and across the South Bay and Los Angeles, which is the opposite end of this scale, so I watch clients run exactly this math before they leave. Send me your shortlist and I will connect you with a strong agent in each of those markets from my network so you can pressure test the numbers locally before you commit to anything. Zoltan

If you work remotely, you have the advantage of choosing a location based on affordability and lifestyle rather than commuting. Some medium-sized cities that are often considered more affordable than major metropolitan areas include places in states like Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and parts of the Carolinas. When comparing locations, don't just look at home prices. Consider the overall cost of living, property taxes, homeowners insurance, state income taxes, healthcare, internet availability, and access to the amenities that matter most to you. Before making a move, I recommend spending some time visiting your top choices and researching the local housing market. A local Realtor can also help you compare neighborhoods, home prices, and market trends so you can find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle. Juan Picos Realtor | JohnHart Real Estate

Liv, look at medium-sized cities in the Midwest and South like Fort Wayne, Des Moines, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Akron, Buffalo, or Chattanooga. Compare housing, taxes, insurance, internet, healthcare, and lifestyle before deciding.

If you’re flexible and remote, you’ve got a big advantage. The most affordable places tend to be in the Midwest and parts of the South. You’ll get lower home prices, cheaper rent, and overall lower cost of living. Places like Tulsa, Wichita, and Fort Wayne are good examples. Medium-sized, decent amenities, and much lower housing costs than coastal cities. If you want something with a bit more culture and still relatively affordable, look at Knoxville or Greenville. Prices are rising, but still manageable compared to major metros. If you’re okay with colder weather, cities like Buffalo or Cleveland can be very affordable. Simple way to think about it. The more flexible you are on location, the more you save.

The Midwest tends to be the most affordable sector of the United States market. The further away from major cities, the more your dollar goes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Several regions across the U.S. consistently offer lower costs of living, including parts of the Midwest, Southeast, and Gulf Coast, but Florida stands out because affordability comes paired with no state income tax and year-round warm weather. Spring Hill in Hernando County, Florida is one of the most underrated affordable markets in the entire state. Median home prices here run well below the state average, property taxes are relatively modest compared to major Florida metros, and residents are within an hour of Tampa while enjoying a quieter, community-oriented lifestyle along the Nature Coast. If you are considering a Florida relocation, Hernando and Citrus counties both offer single-family homes, waterfront access, and suburban conveniences at price points that have become rare in most of the state. Comparing total cost of ownership, including insurance, taxes, HOA fees, and commute costs, gives you a clearer picture than list price alone. A local agent can run those numbers for any area you are evaluating. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

For remote workers, the sweet spot is mid-size cities in the Midwest and South where housing costs are well below the national average but the infrastructure, restaurants, and quality of life are solid. Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the most talked about right now, partly because they've actively recruited remote workers with cash incentives. Omaha, Nebraska and Huntsville, Alabama are also strong picks with low cost of living, growing job markets, and more to do than most people expect. If you want something with a little more personality, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Greenville, South Carolina consistently rank well for affordability and livability. Both have outdoor access, decent food scenes, and housing prices that still feel reasonable compared to coastal cities. Asheville, North Carolina was on that list too but has gotten pricier in recent years as remote workers discovered it. The main thing to factor in beyond housing is state income tax. Texas and Florida have none, which adds up quickly when you're earning a remote salary. Tennessee only taxes investment income. That one variable can be worth a few thousand dollars a year depending on what you make.

For remote workers the Midwest and South are where your dollar stretches furthest right now. Some of the strongest value markets for mid-sized cities include Pittsburgh, PA with a median home price around $250,000 and a genuinely livable downtown. Tulsa, OK consistently ranks as one of the best remote worker cities with low housing costs and a growing tech and arts scene. Des Moines, IA has home prices about 23 percent below the national average and a strong quality of life. Chattanooga, TN offers outdoor access, a walkable downtown, and affordable prices with the added bonus of some of the fastest internet infrastructure in the country, which matters when you work from home. If you want even lower entry points, Akron and Columbus OH, Memphis TN, and Oklahoma City all offer solid livability with home prices well below the national median. The pattern across all of these is Midwest and South, mid-sized metros with real amenities but without the coastal premium. Go to Numbeo.com or Niche.com and compare specific cities against your current cost of living. That comparison will make the decision much clearer than any list.

If your goal is to save money but still be in a solid, mid-sized city with things to do, I would focus on the Midwest and parts of the South. That’s where you’ll get the most value right now. In the Midwest, cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Des Moines, and Columbus stand out. These areas have relatively low home prices, lower overall cost of living, and enough going on that you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. You can still find homes in the $200K to $300K range in many of these markets. If you prefer something warmer, places like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, San Antonio, and Huntsville are good options. They tend to have lower taxes, reasonable housing costs, and a bit more lifestyle appeal depending on what you’re looking for. There are also a few smaller markets like Wichita and Omaha that are very affordable and still offer a good quality of life. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that affordability is not just about the home price. You want to look at taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses too, because that is what really impacts your monthly budget. If your main goal is saving money, the Midwest is probably your best bet. If you want a balance between cost and lifestyle, the South tends to be a good middle ground.

If your goal is to save money but still be in a solid, mid-sized city with things to do, I would focus on the Midwest and parts of the South. That’s where you’ll get the most value right now. In the Midwest, cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Des Moines, and Columbus stand out. These areas have relatively low home prices, lower overall cost of living, and enough going on that you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. You can still find homes in the $200K to $300K range in many of these markets. If you prefer something warmer, places like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, San Antonio, and Huntsville are good options. They tend to have lower taxes, reasonable housing costs, and a bit more lifestyle appeal depending on what you’re looking for. There are also a few smaller markets like Wichita and Omaha that are very affordable and still offer a good quality of life. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that affordability is not just about the home price. You want to look at taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses too, because that is what really impacts your monthly budget. If your main goal is saving money, the Midwest is probably your best bet. If you want a balance between cost and lifestyle, the South tends to be a good middle ground.

Many remote workers find big savings by choosing medium-sized cities with lower housing and living costs. Some popular affordable places include Boise, Idaho, Greenville, South Carolina, Knoxville, Tennessee, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Rochester, New York, and Wichita, Kansas. These cities have housing costs below national big-city averages and offer good access to jobs, amenities, and outdoor recreation. When looking for an affordable area consider median home prices, property taxes, local income levels, commute and internet access. Smaller metro areas like Tulsa, Oklahoma and Huntsville, Alabama also offer strong community feel and cost savings. Research regional job markets, quality of life, and housing inventory to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Huntsville Al

NEFL is a great option

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!

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

Check out Saginaw, Michigan!

Texas, Atlanta, Oklahoma

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.

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.