5 Affordable Cities In The U.S. Where Your Dollar Will Stretch Much Further

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If you live in a major city, there’s no denying that the quality of life is second to none.

Unfortunately, rent prices in these places have been skyrocketing since the pandemic. Even a basic studio is becoming out of reach for everyday Americans.

But even with rising living costs, there are still affordable cities in the US where you can still have a great life on a budget. These places have low unemployment, inexpensive houses, and vibrant communities ready to welcome you with open arms.

Here are a few cities where you can live comfortably without breaking the bank. Let’s begin!

5 Cheapest Cities In The US With A High Quality Of Life

One of the best parts about living in the US is that you can choose from many cities that provide excellent value for money.

But after some research, these six offer the perfect mix of solid job opportunities, quality of life, and affordable housing:

1. Wichita, Kansas

Median Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment): $697
Median Home Price: $210,000

Also known as the “Air Capital of the World,” Wichita is the largest city in Kansas. It’s an excellent place for young professionals to settle because of its affordability and abundance of things to do. Their newly renovated Old Town has cutting-edge restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that will keep you entertained on the weekends.

If you’re looking for career opportunities, Wichita also boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, slightly below the national average.

2. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Median Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment): $1,200
Median Home Price: $190,000

Another charming city in America’s heartland, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized city that offers a perfect mix of affordability, plentiful employment opportunities, and top universities like Purdue.

Fort Wayne hosts many events annually celebrating the city’s history and vibrant art scene. In case you need the excitement of the big city from time to time, Fort Wayne’s also conveniently located a stone’s throw away from more significant regional hubs like Chicago.

3. Fort Worth, Texas

Median Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment): $1,200
Median Home Price: $343,000

Want to immerse yourself in cowboy culture but still get a taste of city life? Fort Worth is the place for you. Despite being a growing city with families from all over the country, Fort Worth retains its local character. Downtown is also home to many music venues, cowboy festivals, and authentic neighborhood BBQ and Tex-Mex restaurants you need to try.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Median Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment): $1,400
Median Home Price: $223,000

If you’re looking for affordable living on the East Coast, few places can give you a better quality of life than Pittsburgh.

Besides having cheaper housing than the national average, Pittsburgh is home to a whopping 446 steel bridges due to its long history as a manufacturing hub. But unlike other cities in the Rust Belt region, Pittsburgh has become a world-class city with tech companies, a thriving food scene, and urban green spaces.

5. Jacksonville, Florida

Median Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment): $1,300
Median Home Price: $280,000

Are you a nature enthusiast at heart? Jacksonville will allow you to indulge in warm weather and year-round sunshine without the hefty price tag of Miami. It also hosts the nation’s most extensive urban park system, with over 80,000 acres of parks! Pair this with 850 square miles of world-class beaches, and you have the perfect outdoorsy paradise to call home.

The Bottom Line

Living in a major city can make a massive dent in your wallet each month. Thankfully, many affordable places in the US offer a better quality of life at a much lower price. Whether you want to save or buy a house ASAP, these five cities are worth checking out!

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*All apartment prices and home values were sourced from Rent.com and Redfin*