Let’s be honest – living affordably in America feels harder than ever. Rising home prices, inflation, and city sprawl have driven many to ask a simple question: “Where can I still live a good life without going broke?” The good news? You still have options. Plenty of them. You just have to know where to look.
This list breaks down the most affordable and livable cities in each U.S. state. But we’re not just throwing darts at a map – we’re focusing on places that still offer quality of life, safety, decent schools, and community charm. These aren’t random dot-on-the-map towns with a population of six and no grocery store. These are actual communities worth calling home.
1. Alabama: Muscle Shoals & Daphne-Fairhope
Alabama’s affordability is hard to beat, but not every city is worth the move. Huntsville remains a solid pick with great jobs and safety, but for those looking for charm and lower prices, Muscle Shoals is a standout with homes in the $250,000 range. Down south near Mobile, the Daphne and Fairhope area offers a slower, coastal lifestyle with homes around $330,000 – perfect for retirees or anyone wanting small-town peace.
2. Alaska: Not Recommended
While it’s certainly beautiful and remote, Alaska is not realistically affordable or convenient for most people. The harsh climate, isolation, and higher cost of living knock it off the affordable list.
3. Arizona: Too Crowded, Too Costly
Unfortunately, the secret’s out on Arizona. Once a haven for budget-conscious movers, it’s now a bit too packed and pricey – thanks, in part, to transplants fleeing California. Most areas worth living in are no longer affordable.
4. Arkansas: Northwest Arkansas & Mountain Home
Arkansas quietly ranks as one of the best options for affordable living with quality. If you crave mountain solitude and cheap land, Mountain Home is worth a look. But the real buzz is in Northwest Arkansas – especially Bentonville and Fayetteville. This area is booming with growth, safety, good schools, and vibrant communities. Get in now before it gets priced out.
5. California: Just… Don’t
The Golden State is beautiful, yes, but affordability has long left the building. With high taxes, skyrocketing housing, and overpopulation, most folks are moving out rather than in.
6. Colorado: A Former Dream
Once a prime pick, Colorado has gone the way of overpricing and crowding. Even once-affordable suburbs around Denver are no longer sensible options unless you’re ready to live way out west and start a farm.
7. Connecticut: Affordable Only in Rough Areas
Technically, there are homes in Connecticut that you can afford – but only in the places you probably wouldn’t want to live. The more desirable areas are financially out of reach for most.
8. Delaware: Skip It
There just isn’t enough going on in Delaware to justify moving there for affordability. It’s not terrible, but it’s not notable either.
9. Florida: The Panhandle Survives
Florida used to be the place to go, but soaring home insurance, overcrowding, and inflated costs have dimmed its shine. That said, the Panhandle – particularly Tallahassee and Jacksonville – still offers homes around $300,000. Towns like Bonifay can go even lower, hovering near $150,000 for those okay with rural life.
10. Georgia: Athens & Warner Robins
Most of Georgia, especially Atlanta, is off the table for budget-minded folks. But Athens, a college town, and Warner Robins, a wholesome family-friendly city, still offer that American Dream vibe with affordability and safety, where your kids can actually ride their bikes around the neighborhood.
11. Hawaii: Forget It
Everyone dreams of Hawaii, but unless you’ve got a fat wallet and no need for mainland convenience, it’s a fantasy. Home prices are absurd, and even groceries cost a fortune. It’s a hard pass for most.
12. Idaho: Boise, Twin Falls & Southern Charm
Idaho is quickly becoming a favorite for those in the know. Boise is clean, safe, and vibrant – one of the most livable small cities in America. It’s got expensive pockets, sure, but within 30 minutes you can still find affordable housing. Twin Falls and the wider southern region also offer peace and lower costs – just be prepared for quiet farmland living.
13. Illinois: Meh, But Possible
Illinois suffers from high property taxes and a general lack of exciting places to move to. Still, some folks enjoy their small towns, and there are random pockets of affordability scattered throughout. If you’re not picky and don’t mind cold winters and a sleepy vibe, you can make it work.
14. Indiana: Fort Wayne is the Spot
The Indianapolis suburbs used to be deals but are now creeping above $600,000 in desirable areas. However, Fort Wayne remains a diamond in the rough. Big yards, low crime, and homes under $300,000 make it a standout – if you can handle being a bit isolated near the Ohio border.
15. Iowa: Just About Anywhere (Except Keokuk)
Iowa might be the most universally affordable state with good vibes. Des Moines is a hidden gem – safe, lively, and clean – with homes around $250,000. Small towns across the state, outside of places like Keokuk or Dubuque, are postcard-perfect and livable on a budget. Iowa might just be the Midwest’s best-kept secret.
16. Kansas: The KC Suburbs Shine
Kansas City’s burbs are where it’s at. Towns like Overland Park and Grandview offer everything you want from suburban life – decent schools, clean streets, and short commutes into the city. It’s not dirt cheap anymore (think $425,000 range), but it’s still far cheaper than coastal metro areas.
17. Kentucky: The Most Underrated State?
Kentucky is finally getting some attention, and rightly so. Cities like Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, Paducah, Lexington, and even Frankfort are all shockingly affordable and offer true Southern charm. You get rolling hills, friendly communities, and a slice of both Appalachian and Midwestern life. Skip Louisville, though, and steer clear of the hollers unless you’re ready for rustic.
18. Louisiana
Louisiana is undeniably cheap, but most places might not make your “must move” list. However, Lafayette stands out. It’s a small city with just enough urban energy to keep things interesting and affordable homes under $250,000. The downtown has a little spark, and if you don’t mind the hot, humid lifestyle and becoming an LSU fan, it could work.
19. Maine
Maine might be a beautiful state with rugged coastlines and lighthouses, but affordable living is a stretch. There’s not much to get excited about unless you’re deeply into solitude and icy winters. It’s not often brought up as a relocation destination, and there’s a reason for that.
20. Maryland
Unless you’re intentionally looking to drain your wallet, Maryland might not be the place. Most areas worth living in are just too pricey. If you’re already here, you know the drill: high property taxes and soaring home costs.
21. Massachusetts
This state is one of the most expensive in the country, and affordable living feels like a distant memory. While Boston and the surrounding areas have charm and history, they come at a premium. There are very few realistic budget-friendly options unless you’re looking to compromise heavily.
22. Michigan
Michigan might surprise you. While Detroit’s suburbs like Royal Oak still offer homes in the $350,000 range, the real gem here is Grand Rapids. It’s fun, hip, and loaded with craft beer, hockey parents, and good vibes. Homes under $300,000 are easy to find, and everything west toward Lake Michigan is small-town paradise – quiet, safe, with well-mannered kids and even great deer hunting.
23. Minnesota
Minnesota, especially the southern half, is like Iowa’s quieter cousin. It’s mostly small towns, cheap real estate, and a lifestyle steeped in safety and neighborliness. Little towns like Le Sueur offer homes around $275,000. You’ll need to warm up to winter sports and learn to love hockey, but affordability is alive and well here.
24. Mississippi
Mississippi may be one of the cheapest states in the country, but not everywhere is livable. The Gulf Coast, though, is a standout. Cities like Diberville, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport are surprisingly nice and still affordable. You can live near the water for well under $300,000. It’s hot, yes, but charming and full of character.
25. Missouri
Missouri has its ups and downs. St. Louis is complicated, and the nice parts aren’t exactly cheap anymore. But Kansas City is lovely, especially its suburbs. You’ll find a good balance of affordability and quality living on the southern side, with neighborhoods that swing between middle class and quite upscale. Just pick wisely.
26. Montana
Montana used to be a go-to for peaceful rural life, but rising prices and a population boom have changed that. Affordable towns still exist – Lewistown is one example – but options are becoming scarce. It’s cowboy country with values that attract many, but availability is slim.
27. Nebraska
Believe it or not, Nebraska is an under-the-radar housing haven. The entire state is affordable, but the best living is near Omaha. It’s a top-tier city with great schools, clean streets, and Midwestern charm. Towns like Gretna, Bellevue, and Blair offer family-friendly neighborhoods with homes around $325,000.
28. Nevada
Nevada isn’t the budget refuge it used to be. Outside of the tourist hotspots and sprawling deserts, there’s not much left that fits the definition of affordable, and you might not enjoy living there anyway. It’s crowded, dry, and the value just isn’t what it once was.
29. New Hampshire
There’s no income tax in New Hampshire, which sounds great – until you get hit with the property taxes. It’s a tradeoff that doesn’t end up helping the budget-minded buyer much. Nice towns are hard to find in your price range unless you strike gold on a fixer-upper.
30. New Jersey
New Jersey hasn’t been on the affordability map in a long time. Between property taxes and inflated home prices, it’s not the best bet. Living here often means high costs with very little breathing room, financially or otherwise.
31. New Mexico
New Mexico is one of the last frontiers of budget living, with wide-open spaces and unrealized potential. Outside of Albuquerque, towns are shockingly affordable. The state just needs one city to clean up and modernize, and it could explode with popularity. It hasn’t happened yet, but the seeds are there.
32. New York
It might be one of the most iconic states in America, but New York is unaffordable unless you’re deep upstate – and even then, services and opportunities can be thin. For most, it’s not a realistic option when seeking a budget-friendly life.
33. North Carolina
North Carolina hits the sweet spot. Raleigh is a top-10 city with jobs, health care, and culture, yet still offers homes under $400,000. The mountain towns west of Charlotte – like Hendersonville and Morganton – are full of charm, cooler weather, and beautiful scenery. This is a state where you can settle comfortably and be happy long-term.
34. North Dakota
It’s all affordable in North Dakota, but be ready for a slower pace and bitter cold. It’s wide open and sparsely populated, which appeals to folks seeking solitude, safety, and sensible living. But it’s not for everyone.
35. Ohio
Ohio might not be flashy, but it does offer a few good options for affordable living. Suburbs around Cincinnati and Columbus are pretty reasonable, with prices around $300,000. If you’re really stretching your dollar, Zanesville could work too. Just don’t expect excitement – this is about affordability and stability.
36. Oklahoma
If you’re considering Oklahoma, your best bets are Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Tulsa in particular is improving quickly and still has good deals. Most of the surrounding suburbs like Norman, Moore, and Edmond offer homes around $300,000 and a very livable environment. Quiet, affordable, and mostly sensible.
37. Oregon
Oregon’s affordability has taken a hit in recent years, and most of the state is too expensive for the budget-conscious. However, Baker City, a small town way out in the desert, still holds potential. It’s one of the few places where you can find homes around $250,000, though it’s isolated.
38. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a place where rural life still reigns, and that’s where the best deals are. Small towns outside of Harrisburg, like Manheim, offer proximity to job centers and a quieter pace of life. Prices hover around $350,000 for nice homes in peaceful countryside settings.
39. Rhode Island
It’s not easy to find affordability in Rhode Island, but it’s not impossible either. If you must move there, check out the suburbs around Providence. It’s a compact state, so even suburban life keeps you close to everything. You’ll just need to hunt for a place that fits your budget.
40. South Carolina
South Carolina offers a few solid options. Greenville is a standout, affordable, beautiful, and still developing in a good way. Home prices in the high $200,000s make it one of the last great city deals in the Southeast. If you’re looking closer to Charlotte, suburbs like Rock Hill and Fort Mill are still accessible and offer good quality of life.
41. South Dakota
South Dakota is often overlooked, but if you want space, safety, and common sense living, this state has two great areas to consider. On the west side, Rapid City gives you a Western feel with wide open land and homes around $350,000. It’s horse country and rugged, but still welcoming. On the east side, Sioux Falls is a gem – clean, safe, and affordable at around $300,000 for a home. And don’t forget: no state income tax.
42. Tennessee
While the Tennessee market has gotten hot, the east-central part of the state still offers value. Think rolling hills and charming small towns in the $250,000 range. Chattanooga also deserves a shout, it’s one of the most improved cities around. Clean, outdoorsy, and still somewhat affordable at $325,000 to $350,000. It may be the last truly livable large city in the state that hasn’t been overrun or overpriced.
43. Texas
Texas is crowded and getting expensive fast, but Fort Worth stands out. It’s still a top-10 city in terms of livability and affordability, with home prices averaging around $325,000. If you want something smaller, places like New Braunfels and San Marcos are still reasonably priced and not too far from the action. Much of Texas is either too wealthy or too rough around the edges, but Fort Worth hits the sweet spot.
44. Utah
Despite its natural beauty, Utah has become very expensive. For those on a budget, it’s hard to recommend moving here. Housing costs are high across most of the state, and while the scenery is stunning, you’ll need deep pockets to enjoy it without financial stress.
45. Vermont
Vermont shares many of the same problems as Utah – gorgeous, yes, but pricey. There are few areas with both affordability and opportunity, making it a tough sell for the average homebuyer.
46. Virginia
Affordability in Virginia has faded quickly. Most urban areas are priced out, and even rural towns are creeping up. One exception might be Virginia Beach if you’re determined to find something coastal that isn’t outrageous. Still, it’s slim pickings across the state.
47. Washington
The state of Washington is expensive across the board, with little relief even in remote areas. If you’re looking to save money, this isn’t where you want to be house-hunting.
48. West Virginia
A surprise contender, the northern Panhandle of West Virginia has become a solid option for commuters to D.C. Towns within a 30-minute drive of Martinsburg are trending up, with homes near $300,000. It’s now considered trendy to live there and commute to higher-paying jobs in nearby metro areas. Who saw that coming?
49. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a hidden gem for affordable living. Just about anywhere north of Milwaukee is fair game, with a blend of family-friendly towns, safe neighborhoods, and reasonable prices. All of the state’s major cities offer a slice of good American living at a great price point, and yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds.
50. Wyoming
Wyoming used to be a great option, but prices have surged. It’s hard to recommend bringing your family here unless you already live a ranching lifestyle. If you’ve got a horse and a love for cowboy values, maybe. But the average family would likely struggle to settle in comfortably.
Know Where to Look
Yes, affordable living is still possible in the U.S., but you’ve got to know where to look. These 50 state-by-state picks offer a wide range of opportunities for different lifestyles – whether you’re chasing mountains, open plains, suburban comfort, or small-town charm. From Iowa’s underrated towns to Florida’s panhandle bargains, there’s something left for everyone if you’re willing to dig a little.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.