Think homeownership is out of reach? Well, not in these cities. Memphis is a rising star for young professionals, with 10,232 new jobs expected in 2025 and home prices 56% lower than the U.S. median.
Families win too! Fort Smith offers a 5% job growth (YoY), great schools, and MHSP 41.8% lower than the U.S. median. Retirees also get a break! Fort Wayne offers lower healthcare costs and a peaceful lifestyle. Don’t wait! Explore 10 least expensive places to live in the US.
What Are the Cheapest Places to Live in the US?
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | $50,799 | $181,188 | 89,992 | 3.4% | 18.9% |
| Abilene | $56,326 | $223,991 | 144,579 | 5.9% | 21.0% |
| Wichita | $60,712 | $202,303 | 396,192 | 2.5% | 15.5% |
| Memphis | $48,090 | $150,672 | 621,056 | 4.9% | 23.6% |
| Conway | $54,036 | $242,403 | 69,580 | 3.2% | 20.9% |
| Springfield | $43,450 | $235,264 | 170,188 | 4.2% | 20.32% |
| Fort Wayne | $58,233 | $234,244 | 269,994 | 6.1% | 15.16% |
| Brownsville | $46,735 | $186,079 | 189,382 | 4.7% | 26.1% |
| Decatur | $55,164 | $217,943 | 57,922 | 1.9% | 4.85% |
| Rockford | $50,744 | $161,160 | 146,713 | 5.2% | 22.2% |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in US into three categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the US real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
3 Cheapest Places to Live In the US for Families 🧑🏻🧑🏿🧒🏽
1. Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Median House Rent: $1,095
- Median Home Value: $180,352
- Cost of Living: 23.4% cheaper than the national average
Nestled along the Arkansas River, Fort Smith isn’t just affordable—it’s a hidden family paradise! Whether you’re packing the kids into the car for a trip to Creekmore Park or grabbing the best BBQ at Whole Hog Café, life here is easy on the wallet and big on charm.
Beyond the fun, Fort Smith is home to a growing job market, thanks to companies like ABB Motors and Drives US. The city blends wild west history with modern family perks. If you want big memories without big bills, Fort Smith is calling!
» Fort Smith Homes for Sale: Find your Fort Smith home in one of the most affordable places to live in the United States.
2. Abilene, Texas
- Median House Rent: $1,295
- Median Home Value: $188,764
- Cost of Living: 19.8% cheaper than the national average.
Abilene’s job market is booming, with opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Big names like Dyess Air Force Base and Hendrick Health keep careers steady. Weekends? Think BBQ feasts, Friday night football, and trips to the Abilene Zoo.
Besides, top-rated schools like Wylie High and Abilene High make it a win for families. Neighbors still wave from their porches, adding to the small-town charm. If you’re after affordability with a Texas twist, Abilene is calling!
» Abilene Homes for Sale: Explore the cheapest cities to live in the US and find your dream home.
3. Wichita, Kansas
- Median House Rent: $1,200
- Median Home Value: $190,000
- Cost of Living: 17.2% cheaper than the national average
Wichita packs big-city perks into a budget-friendly package. Families cheer on the Wichita Wind Surge, visit Tanganyika Wildlife Park, and explore the city’s aviation history. Also known as the ‘Air Capital of the World’, 20,000 locals work in the aviation sector.
Wichita State University boosts education and research, while the low cost of living leaves room for BBQ nights, museums, and riverfront festivals. If you want affordable family life with big opportunities, Wichita is ready for takeoff!
» Wichita Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the least expensive place to live in America for families.
3 Cheapest Places to Live In the US for Young Adults👨🏻💻
1. Memphis, Tennessee
- Median House Rent: $1,300
- Median Home Value: $143,715
- Cost of Living: 14.2% cheaper than the national average
Memphis keeps life fun, affordable, and full of soul. Young adults dive into live blues on Beale Street and devour world-famous ribs from Central BBQ. They also soak up the city’s rich music and civil rights history.
Job seekers land roles with major employers like Wunderlich Securities and Baker Donelson. The city’s entrepreneurial scene is thriving. With riverside views, buzzing nightlife, and a tight-knit community, Memphis brings big-city energy without the big price tag.
» Memphis Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the cheapest places to live in the US for young adults.
2. Conway, Arkansas
- Median House Rent: $1,299
- Median Home Value: $240,516
- Cost of Living: 18.1% cheaper than the national average
Conway booms with jobs in tech, healthcare, and education, with Hewlett-Packard and Conway Regional Health System leading the way. With transportation costs 13% lower than the U.S. median, young professionals have more cash to explore local hotspots.
Beyond work, Conway offers outdoor escapes at Cadron Settlement Park and Toad Suck Park for hikes and kayak trips. The city’s lively arts scene, downtown buzz, and year-round festivals add fun without the big-city chaos.
» Conway Homes for Sale: Get yourself a house in the cheapest town to live in America for young adults!
3. Springfield, Missouri
- Median House Rent: $1,250
- Median Home Value: $229,703
- Cost of Living: 16.1% cheaper than the national average
Springfield packs big-city perks into an affordable package. Young adults land great jobs at CoxHealth and Prime while grabbing a drink at Lost Signal Brewing or catching a game at Hammons Field.
For a laid-back escape, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden sets the mood, while the city’s music and arts scene keeps nightlife alive. If you want affordability, adventure, and a strong job market, Springfield delivers!
» Springfield Homes for Sale: Find affordable homes in one of the cheapest US cities to live in for young professionals.
4 Cheapest Places to Live In the US for Retirees 🏖️
1. Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Median House Rent: $1,190
- Median Home Value: $227,000
- Cost of Living: 18% cheaper than the national average
Fort Wayne lets retirees stretch their savings with low housing costs and 4% cheaper healthcare. With quiet neighborhoods and light traffic, life here feels stress-free. Grab breakfast at Cindy’s Diner or take a scenic drive without city congestion.
The city blends small-town charm with big perks. Stroll through Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, catch a show at Sweetwater Pavilion, or hit the greens at Chestnut Hills. Fort Wayne makes retirement affordable and enjoyable!
» Fort Wayne Homes for sale: Look for your next house in one of the cheapest places to retire in the US.
2. Brownsville, Texas
- Median House Rent: $1,500
- Median Home Value: $187,055
- Cost of Living: 25.1% cheaper than the national average
Brownsville keeps retirement sunny and affordable with low housing costs and a healthcare index of 89.8, well below the U.S. average. The warm, tropical climate makes it perfect for morning walks at Dean Porter Park or sunsets over Resaca de la Palma.
The city blends small-town charm with a growing community. Locals enjoy fresh seafood at Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que and day trips to South Padre Island. If you want beach vibes, great food, and budget-friendly living, Brownsville is the place to be!
» Brownsville Homes for Sale: Browse homes in the most inexpensive place to live in the United States for retirees.
3. Decatur, Alabama
- Median House Rent: $1,200
- Median Home Value: $207,927
- Cost of Living: 16.9% cheaper than the national average
Decatur lets retirees live well for less, with healthcare costs 19% below the U.S. median. Stroll along the Tennessee River, watch migrating birds at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, or unwind at Bank Street’s cozy cafés.
The city blends small-town charm with convenience. Transportation costs sit 16.9% below the U.S. median, making daily life easier and more affordable. With friendly neighbors, scenic beauty, and budget-friendly living, Decatur makes retirement feel like a lifelong vacation!
» Decatur Homes for Sale: Look for your dream home in this affordable and quaint mid-western town!
4. Rockford, Illinois
- Median House Rent: $1,150
- Median Home Value: $155,422
- Cost of Living: 21% cheaper than the national average
Rockford gives retirees more for their money, with utility costs 9% lower and transportation costs 17.5% below the national average. Enjoy coffee at Meg’s Daily Grind or a stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens without overspending.
The city’s livability score of 61 highlights its tight-knit community and laid-back vibe. With low-cost housing and plenty of green spaces, Rockford offers retirees a comfortable home without the high price tag.
» Rockford Homes for Sale: Find your retirement paradise in one of the cheapest cities to live in America.
Cheapest Places to Live Near You
| Region | Cheapest Places to Live Near Me |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | |
| Midwest | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Carolina | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin |
| South | Alabama | Arkansas | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | District of Columbia | West Virginia |
| West | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington State | Wyoming |
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in America?
You will find cheap houses for sale under 200K in cities like Fort Smith, Memphis, and Fort Wayne. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other US cities.
Cities like Conway and Springfield are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the cost to move across the country before you move. Also, get a mortgage pre-approval to stand out from the competition before buying a house.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in the US
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale.
| Homes for Sale under $100K | Homes for Sale under $150K | Homes for Sale under $200K |
| Homes for Sale under $250K | Homes for Sale under $300K | Homes for Sale under $350K |
Find Your Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest home search websites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other homes for sale in the US on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in the US competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on five parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheap places to live in the US:
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the least expensive place to live in the US?
The cheapest place to live in the US is Rockford. It offers affordable transportation, which is 17.5% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in America: Find out the other cheapest places to live in the USA.
Where is the best place to live in the US?
The best place to live in the US is Green Bay, followed by Huntsville, Raleigh, Boulder, Sarasota, Naples, Portland, Austin, Boise and Madison.
Which US city has the lowest cost of living?
Brownsville has the lowest cost of living, which is 25.1% and 20.5% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
