The 25 Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026

When considering where to set up home, you may prioritize affordability for reasons such as the economy, family or career plans, or simply to live more frugally. Affordability is a priority to many when relocating – so much so that it’s the second-highest weighted factor in U.S. News’ Best Places to Live rankings, behind quality of life.

To pinpoint the most affordable places on the list, we compared the median annual household income with the housing cost in each city (the Housing Affordability Index), along with a regional cost of living index.

The cities on this list have their own unique characteristics, although many share a border with other states or metro areas that provide access to additional pursuits and activities.

Above all, these 25 places share the fact that their residents spend less of their median household income on living expenses and rent or mortgage costs. Here are the 25 Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

25. Battle Creek, Michigan
24. Florissant, Missouri
23. McAllen, Texas
22. Florence, South Carolina
21. Harlingen, Texas
20. Joplin, Missouri
19. St. Joseph, Missouri
18. Dothan, Alabama
17. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
16. Johnstown, Pennsylvania
15. Wichita Falls, Texas
14. Katy, Texas
13. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
12. League City, Texas
11. Laredo, Texas
10. Midland, Michigan
9. Anniston, Alabama
8. Fort Smith, Arkansas
7. Eagle Pass, Texas
6. Bay City, Michigan
5. Mission, Texas
4. Springfield, Illinois
3. Weirton, West Virginia
2. Enid, Oklahoma
1. Decatur, Illinois