If you are a city dweller looking for affordable urban living in 2025, several U.S. cities offer a low cost of living combined with access to essential amenities. While home prices rise throughout the nation these cities provide a chance to get more bang for your buck without compromising quality of life. Below is a list of these 15 most affordable cities to live in the United States by housing costs, living expenses, and affordability this year.
What makes these cities affordable?
The initial affordability determinant is housing costs—both home prices and rent. Complementing them are lower utility bills, food, transport, and healthcare. Most of these cities have median home prices well below the national average, with proportionate cheap rents. They are also characterised by lower living expenses and property taxes that make them suitable for budget-conscious residents.
The 15 cheapest cities to live in 2025
The living cost here is roughly 25% below the national average with a median home price of roughly $165,000 and rents averaging roughly $850 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Housing remains below here with median home prices at roughly $149,000 and rents at roughly $700, maintaining overall living costs roughly 23% below average.
Evansville has median home values at approximately $142,000 and rents averaging $760 per month, with living expenses around 18% lower than the national average.
The city has median home values of approximately $137,000 and rents of around $780, with living costs around 17% less than the national average.
5. Dayton, Ohio
Median home prices are in the range of $131,000, with rent levels being $720, and living costs 20% below the national average.
6. Toledo, Ohio
The affordability of Toledo includes median house prices of around $128,000 and rent prices at $740, with living costs in the range of 19% below the national average.
Fort Wayne home costs are $135,000 average with prices of a one-bedroom home around $760 and the cost of living around 18% below average.
The median home prices in Springfield are around $125,000 and around $710 in prices, maintaining costs around 21% below average.
With median house values around $145,000 and rents around $800, McAllen’s living costs are 22% below average, albeit its poverty rate is very little higher.
10. Beaumont, Texas
Median house values in this city are around $140,000 with rents around $780, and living costs around 21% below national averages.
Decatur is extremely low-cost with median houses of roughly $118,000 and rent of roughly $690, providing it with a cost of living that’s almost 24% below average.
12. Enid, Oklahoma
The town offers median house prices of roughly $120,000 and rents of roughly $700 with living expenses 23% below the U.S. average.
Weirton’s average median house prices are $115,000, its rent is $680, and it costs 25% less to live there than in the nation.
14. Mission, Texas
Mission’s median home prices average about $130,000 and rents about $730, with living costs averaging about 22% lower than in the U.S.
Bay City’s median home price is around $122,000 with rentals around $700, making its cost of living roughly 20% below the national average.
What to consider before you move
Even though these cities are some of the most affordable, one should consider looking at job markets and availability, which can vary considerably. All but a few have smaller-scale or niche industries, so one must look at principal local employers and unemployment rates, usually in the range of 4% to 6%.
Amenities such as cultural attributes, nightlife, schools, and medical services differ. There are limited options for some cities compared to bigger cities. Guests must take into account neighborhood atmosphere, safety, and climate to ensure that the city suits their lifestyle decisions.
Finally, look at the long-term growth potential of the cities. Affordable markets tend to increase in value when more individuals learn about their economic and livability potential. Analyzing city development plans and property tax patterns can aid in determining if your investment will have longevity.
Is one of these cities right for you?
For those who’d rather trade higher costs for affordability without sacrificing the conveniences of city living, these 15 metros offer promising options in 2025. If you’re fond of South Texas sunshine, the heartland appeal of Indiana and Ohio, or small-town charm in Michigan or West Virginia, these budget metros make penny-pinching city living a possibility. Careful planning and research can help you ensure your move works within both your budget and lifestyle needs.
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