When you think of planning your move to a new city, you first consider whether the city’s expenses suit your budget. You will compare the cost of living and housing expenses of various cities and then choose a city. Why should you pay extra to buy a house when you can afford it somewhere else?
You obviously don’t want all of your salary to be spent on mortgage or other living expenses. We’ve done some research and digging for you and listed down 10 cities that will not just offer you affordable housing and other costs but also good amenities. So keep reading as we unfold what each city has to offer you.
Top 10 Affordable Cities In The U.S
1. MC Allen
MC Allen resides in Hidalgo county in the state of Texas. Just drive around 30 miles west of Harlingen on the Rio Grande and you’ll reach this beautiful ‘City of Palms’. Agriculture and trade are the dominant sectors here that contribute to the city’s economy. Although the economy is not very diverse here, the city has had an increase in the job market by 2.1% in the past year as stated by Best Places.
Speaking of housing expenses, your housing price will be almost 37% lower than the U.S national average according to Payscale. Even your other essential utilities like your electricity and phone bill are almost 12% lower than the national average. You don’t even have to worry about spending extra on your groceries as they are almost 17% lower than the national average as stated by Payscale. You may not find a diverse economy here, but the city surely will save you a few bucks on your housing and other costs.
Advantages Of Moving To MC Allen
The city does not charge you any Income Tax (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Disadvantages Of Moving To MC Allen
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 4.6% which is a little higher than the U.S national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 143,268
Median Home Value: $216,875
Median Home Rent: $679.38
Median Household Income: $43,476
Tax Rate: Your Sales Tax in the city will be almost 8.3% which is higher than the national average of 7.3%. But the city does not charge you any Income Tax (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 0.98 and Violent Crime and 25.09 for Property Crime (Violent Crime is less than the National Median of 4 and Property Crime is more than the National Median of 21).
Also See: Moving to Texas
2. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is located in Allen county in the state of Indiana. You will see that the city’s economy comes from various sectors of defense, healthcare, transportation, business, finance and technology. It’s because of this diverse economy that the city’s metropolitan area’s GDP hit almost $25.7 billion in 2017. General Electric and Dana Holding Corporation are some of the significant industries located in the city. Also, the city has an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. There has been an increase in the job market by almost 2.7% in the past year as shared by Best Places.
The best thing about living in Fort Wayne is that your housing expenses will almost be 30% lower than the U.S national average according to Payscale. Don’t worry about your other essential utilities as they are almost 9% lower than the national average. Not just that, your grocery prices will almost be 8% lower than the national average. Let’s not forget your commuting fares which will almost be 7% lower than the national average. So you’re sure to save yourself a lot of bucks if you decide to move here.
Advantages Of Moving To Fort Wayne
Your cost of living in the city will almost be 12% lower than the U.S national average (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Fort Wayne
As a resident of the city, your individual average income will be around $23,607 annually which is lower than the national average of $28,555 per year (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 270,402
Median Home Value: $242,206
Median Home Rent: $758.73
Median Household Income: $43,994
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will be almost 7.0% and 4.2% which is lower than the U.S national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 3.62 for Violent Crime and 27.56 for Property Crime (Violent Crime is less than the National Median of 4 while Property Crime is higher than the National Median of 21).
See Also: Moving To Indiana – Relocation Guide
3. St. Louis
St. Louis lies on the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in the state of Missouri. The city’s economic assets include service, manufacturing, trade, transportation and tourism sectors. You will find ten of the Fortune 500 companies residing here. To name a few, Ameren Corporation, Stifel Financial and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis operate in this city. No wonder that the city’s GDP hit almost $160 billion in the year 2016 and earned the title of ‘Gamma’ or a global city.
There are several significant companies that have their headquarters here, namely Wells Fargo Advisors, United Van Lines, etc. One of the best things about living here is that your housing expenses will be almost 27% lower than the U.S national average. Although the other utility prices are almost 15% high, the city’s diverse economy and employment opportunities definitely makes up for it.
Advantages Of Moving To St. Louis
The city has had an increase in the job market by 0.5% in the past year (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Disadvantages Of Moving To St. Louis
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 4.5% which is a little higher than the U.S national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 300,576
Median Home Value: $252,269
Median Home Rent: $790.25
Median Household Income: $34,800
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Tax rate in the city will almost be 9.2% and 6.9% which is higher than the national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 19.27 for Violent Crime and 62.03 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
Also read: Top 5 Moving Companies In St. Louis
4. Greenville
Greenville is one of the largest cities in the state of South Carolina. The city has various automotive, textile manufacturing, technology and healthcare sectors that contribute to its economy. Some of the significant industries that have their headquarters here are Michelin, United Community Bank, Donaldson Center Airport and Greenville Health System. Just so you know, the city has some of the best hospitals for heart surgery and orthopedic services.
When it comes to your stay, you obviously don’t want to spend your entire salary paying your house rent. Well, you can be at ease as the city’s housing costs are almost 22% lower than the U.S national average according to Payscale. You’ll be glad to know that the city has had an increase in job growth of 0.7% in the past year. Also, the future prediction is almost 39.8% which is higher than the national average of 33.5% as stated by Best Places.
Advantages Of Moving To Greenville
The city has an unemployment rate of only 2.6% which is way lower than the national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Greenville
Your utility prices in the city are almost 3% higher than the national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Population: 70,635
Median Home Value: $269,272
Median Home Rent: $843.51
Median Household Income: $41,147
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will almost be 6.0% and 7.0% which is higher than the national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 5.79 for Violent Crime and 41.85 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
5. Cleveland
Cleveland is located in Cuyahoga county in the state of Ohio. The city has a diverse economy with several manufacturing, business, healthcare and biotechnology sectors. Home to several renowned companies, the American Greetings, Applied Industrial Technologies and Forest City Enterprises have their headquarters here. As a result, the city is recognized as a ‘Gamma’ or global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.
The city boasts its nature reserve system at the Cleveland Metroparks. So it is also known as the ‘Forest City’.A lot of water sports are awaiting you here as the city nestles near the Erie Lake. One of the best things about living in Cleveland is that the housing costs are almost 12% lower than the U.S national average according to Payscale. What’s more, the city has also seen a rise in the job market by 1.0% in the past year as stated by Best Places.
Advantages Of Moving To Cleveland
You will pay almost 12% lower housing costs here as compared to the U.S national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Cleveland
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 6.6% which is higher than the U.S national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 381,009
Median Home Value: $306,401
Median Home Rent: $959.82
Median Household Income: $26,179
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will almost be 8.0% and 5.5% which is higher than the U.S national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 15.22 for Violent Crime and 44.90 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
6. Detroit
Detroit or ‘The Motor City’ as you may know it resides in Wayne county in the state of Michigan. You will see a diverse economy here as the city has several automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and technology sectors. The city is home to some prominent companies, namely General Motors, Ally Financial Quicken Loans, DTE Energy, etc. So you don’t have to worry about your living expenses as there are several employment opportunities here. The city has had an increase in the job market by 0.7% over the past year according to Best Places.
The best thing about living in Detroit is that your cost of living will be almost 3% lower than the U.S national average as stated by Payscale. When it comes to housing expenses, you will pay almost 6% lower price in the city as compared to the U.S national average. Not just that, your groceries will also cost you almost 9% lower than the U.S national average. But your other essential utility prices like your energy, phone and gas bill will be almost 2% higher than the national average according to Payscale.
Advantages Of Moving To Detroit
Your cost of living in the city will be almost 3% lower than the U.S national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Detroit
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 11.1% which is more than the U.S national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places). Moreover, the safety quotient in Detroit is unfavourable to say the least.
Population: 679,865
Median Home Value: $326,527
Median Home Rent: $1,023
Median Household Income: $26.095
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Tax rate in the city will be almost 6.0% and 6.8% which is higher than the U.S national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 19.53 for Violent Crime and 42.81 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
Also Read: Moving to Detroit – Relocation Guide
7. Montgomery
Montgomery rests beside the Alabama River and is the capital of the state of Alabama. Education, military, technology, healthcare and finance are the economic assets of the city. As you see, the city has a very diverse economy and hence very promising, especially if you’re looking for job opportunities. The city is also home to several leading industries, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama being one of them. Also, the city has an unemployment rate of just 3.2% which is lower than the U.S national average of 3.7% as stated by Best Places.
Speaking of your housing costs in the city, you will have to pay almost 17% lower housing prices compared to the U.S national average according to Payscale. That’s not all, if you’re worried about spending too much on groceries, you needn’t worry as your grocery prices in the city are almost 4% lower than the national average as stated by Payscale. If you want to know more about the history and culture of the city, you can go visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts or attend the Alabama Shakespeare Festival at Carolyn Blount Theatre. So the city is a mixture of a growing economy and an entertaining culture at the same time.
Advantages Of Moving To Montgomery
Your cost of living in the city will almost be 8% lower than the U.S national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Montgomery
As a resident of the city, your individual average income will be around $24,537 per year which is lower than the national average of around $28,555 per year (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 198,525
Median Home Value: $288,010
Median Home Rent: $902.21
Median Household Income: $43,535
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will be almost 10.0% and 5.0% which is higher than the national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 5.99 for Violent Crime and 40.52 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
8. Kansas City
Kansas is one of the largest and populated cities in Missouri. The city’s economy comes from the different federal agencies, manufacturing, automotive and healthcare industries. Some of the companies with the highest number of employees include the General Services Administration, Kansas City Plant and Social Security Administration. Wait, the city’s grandeur is not just limited to its economy. If you go towards Downtown Kansas City, you will find yourself surrounded by the city’s culture with lots of entertainment, shopping and theatres around you.
Now you’ll probably think that all of these amenities come with a heavy housing price. Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore as your housing costs in the city will be almost 8% lower than the U.S national average according to Payscale. Also, the city has had an increase in the job markets of 1.4% in the past year. So you can explore the city for employment opportunities to meet your basic needs.
Advantages Of Moving To Kansas
The city’s housing prices are almost 8% lower than the national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Kansas
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 4.6% which is higher than the national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 495,327
Median Home Value: $319,587
Median Home Rent: $1,001
Median Household Income: $45,376
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will almost be 8.9% and 6.9% which is higher than the national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 7.80 for Violent Crime and 41.55 for Property Crime (More than the National Median 4 and 21 respectively).
Also See: Moving To Kansas City
9. Pittsburgh
‘The City of Bridges’ or Pittsburgh as you may know it resides in Allegheny county in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has as many as 446 bridges and hence the nickname. In terms of the economy of the city, various sectors such as manufacturing, automotive industry, healthcare, engineering and energy sectors operate here. Many of the Fortune 500 companies reside here, namely PNC Financial Services, U.S Steel and WESCO International. As you can see, the city has a very diverse economy.
If you go Downtown Pittsburgh, you’ll be surrounded by many art organizations, museums and theatres. Now you may be wondering that you’ll have to spend all of your salary to buy a house here. Well, you’ll be glad to know that the city’s housing costs are almost 8% lower than the national average according to Payscale.
Advantages Of Moving To Pittsburgh
Your healthcare costs in the city will almost be 6% lower than the national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Pittsburgh
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 4.4% which is higher than the U.S national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 300,286
Median Home Value: $317,505
Median Home Rent: $994.61
Median Household Income: $40,009
Tax Rate: Your Sales Tax rate will be 7.0% which is lower than the national average and your Income Tax rate is as much as the national average of 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 5.91 for Violent Crime and 29.23 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
10. Buffalo
Buffalo lies on the eastern shore of Erie Lake and is one of the largest cities in New York. The light manufacturing, services, education and technology sectors are the economic assets of the city. The city is home to renowned companies such as General Motors, Time Warner Cable, Tops Friendly Markets, etc. If you want to move here to explore colleges, you should definitely consider the various science, arts and finance colleges in the city.
You will have to spend almost 2% higher housing prices in Buffalo compared to the national average according to payscale. Although the housing costs may seem high, your utility prices will be almost 5% lower than the national average. Don’t worry about spending a few extra bucks on groceries as they are almost 5% lower than the national average as stated by Payscale. So you can still afford staying here while exploring job opportunities in the metropolitan area of the city.
Advantages Of Moving To Buffalo
Your cost of living in the city is almost 4% lower than the national average (as per the data shared by Payscale).
Disadvantages Of Moving To Buffalo
The city has an unemployment rate of almost 5.9% which is higher than the national average of 3.7% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Population: 255,244
Median Home Value: $353,246
Median Home Rent: $1,107
Median Household Income: $31,668
Tax Rate: Your Sales and Income Tax rate in the city will almost be 8.8% and 6.5% which is higher than the national average of 7.3% and 4.6% (as per the data shared by Best Places).
Crime Rate (per 1000 residents): 10.04 for Violent Crime and 34.08 for Property Crime (More than the National Median of 4 and 21 respectively).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which U.S cities are more affordable?
When you are looking for a city that’s affordable, you need to look at various aspects. The housing expenses, food and energy bills, transportation cost and employment opportunities should be looked at thoroughly. Based on these factors, following are 10 most affordable cities in the U.S:
- MC Allen
- Fort Wayne
- St. Louis
- Greenville
- Cleveland
- Detroit
- Montgomery
- Kansas City
- Pittsburgh
- Buffalo
Related: US Cities with Lowest Cost of Living | 7 Cities for Empty Nesters
What is the most affordable city to live in the United States?
There is no one city that will seem affordable to everyone. Based on our research, MC Allen is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S as the housing and utility expenses are almost 37% and 17% lower than the national average according to Payscale.
Conclusion
Whether you want to move to start a new career or raise a family, you probably want to move to a city which will not cost you a big hole in your pocket. That’s why along with the different amenities provided by the city, you need to look at other aspects like your expenses for transportation, food, housing costs, etc. So make a budget plan for yourself, see which city if affordable and best suits your needs and then plan your move.
Read Also:Top National Moving Companies in the America | 8 Least Livable U.S. Cities For Minimum Wage Earners
Related: How Much Rent Can I Afford?
