Most Affordable Cities in the US To Move To Now

trees and buildings against sky
Affordable Cities in the US To Move To NowPaul Hamilton / EyeEm - Getty Images

It’s no secret that some of the biggest cities in the United States have become unaffordable for most people. With inflation on the rise, countless city dwellers have been leaving places like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco in droves in search of lower rents, larger spaces, and an all-around bigger bang for their buck. While these cities, among a few others, were once considered the ideal destinations for those in search of an urban lifestyle, over the last several years new cities have begun to emerge across the country that have so much to offer at a far lower cost.

If you’re considering moving out of a bigger city or you’re seeking a change from rural or suburban life, there are a number of affordable United States cities just waiting for you to call home. Whether you’re looking to settle down in the South, move your life to the Midwest, or bask in the sun on the beaches of Florida’s shores, you’re likely to find that one of these cities has everything you’ve been hoping for and so much more.

Jackson, Mississippi

The capital of Mississippi, Jackson is a city rich with history, brimming with diversity, and bursting with southern hospitality. Jackson offers a number of job opportunities in the healthcare, education, and agriculture industries and is also home to several acclaimed universities. The median rent for an apartment in Jackson is roughly $1,000 per month.

high angle view of jackson cityscape at night, mississippi, united states
Jeremy Woodhouse - Getty Images

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With a booming restaurant scene, local breweries emerging all the time, and a breathtaking downtown skyline, Pittsburgh is a city beloved by its residents and visitors alike. Pittsburgh boasts a wide assortment of arts, culture, and entertainment as well as a plenty of verdant parks and green spaces scattered throughout the city. The median rent for an apartment in Pittsburgh is roughly $1,400 per month.

pittsburgh skyline at dusk
Ken Redding - Getty Images

Montgomery, Alabama

A rising job market and gorgeous weather all year make Montgomery an appealing place to live, and the countless opportunities to participate in outdoor sports and activities doesn’t hurt, either. Montgomery is infused with American history and in addition to its deep love of the arts, the city has a bustling dining and nightlife scene. The median rent for an apartment in Montgomery is roughly $900 per month.

downtown montgomery
Walter Bibikow - Getty Images

Jacksonville, Florida

For those seeking bright, sunny skies all year-round and infinite access to the beach without sacrificing an easy drive to the city, Jacksonville is the place to be. Jacksonville is known not only for its perfect weather, but for its strong economy, lots of job opportunities, and endless outdoor activities. The median rent in Jacksonville is roughly $1,400 per month.

aerial drone view of sprawling tampa bay skyline, florida
Joe Sohm/Visions of America - Getty Images

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is becoming increasingly popular for the low cost of living and plethora of job opportunities it offers. The city is also known for having a wide assortment of nature trails for biking and hiking, providing easy access to a number of other midwestern cities, and a thriving arts scene that includes the philharmonic orchestra and Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The median rent in Fort Wayne is roughly $1,000 per month.

fort wayne indiana and promenade park
Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) - Getty Images

Cleveland, Ohio

With its flourishing job market, Cleveland is known for its incredible dining scene and the enthusiasm of its sports fans, regardless of whether its teams win or lose. A cultural epicenter of the midwest, Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Orchestra. The median rent in Cleveland is roughly $1,300 per month.

cleveland skyline
Yuanshuai Si - Getty Images

Wichita, Kansas

Even though Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, it is still one of the least congested in the country, making it an ideal place to live based on the commuting factor alone. Known for its excellent healthcare options and great weather, Wichita also happens to be an exceptionally safe city, making it all the more appealing. The median rent in Wichita is roughly $800 per month.

drone aerial view of downtown wichita skyline, kansas
Joe Sohm/Visions of America - Getty Images

St. Louis, Missouri

Nestled beside the Mississippi River, St. Louis is home to a growing economy, several universities, and plenty of fun activities and events to fill your calendar. St. Louis is a diverse city that offers endless options for trying new foods and appreciating culture through museums, theater, and parks. The median rent in St. Louis is roughly $1,100 per month.

night view of the arch in the st louis skyline
DenisTangneyJr - Getty Images

Boise, Idaho

Boise is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, largely due to the number of startups that have put down roots in the area. Those who live in Boise experience a healthy work-life balance, which allows them to take advantage of the city’s many microbreweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural offerings. The median rent in Boise is roughly $1,500 per month.

capitol blvd, boise, idaho
vkbhat - Getty Images

Buffalo, New York

The second largest city in the state of New York, Buffalo is nicknamed “The City of Good Neighbors,” due to the overwhelming friendliness of the city’s residents. Buffalo is known for its lively nightlife scene, excellent education options, and for blending the benefits of urban living with the ease of a suburban setting. The median rent in Buffalo is roughly $1,200 per month.

buffalo new york
DenisTangneyJr - Getty Images

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo is a city beloved by its residents for delivering the perfect mix of big-city life and the feeling of a close-knit community. The city is home to a number of colleges and universities as well as expansive parks, countless outdoor festivals, and the famous Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the country. The median rent in Kalamazoo is roughly $1,200 per month.

downtown kalamazoo, michigan
JTGrafix - Getty Images

Knoxville, Tennessee

With its steady job market, great public transit system, and stunning lakes and rivers, it’s hard to find something not to love about Knoxville. Knoxville is home to a historic Old City district, a number of museums, and is only a short drive away from the world-renowned Dollywood theme park. The median rent in Knoxville is roughly $1,500 per month.

night view of downtown street
Bruce Yuanyue Bi - Getty Images

You Might Also Like

Advertisement