Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the US (2025-2026)
Cheapest places to live in 2025–2026 include Toledo, Fort Wayne, Wichita, and Little Rock. See top affordable US cities for housing and cost of living.
What is the cheapest place to live in the US in 2025–2026?
As of 2025–2026, the cheapest places to live in the US are Toledo, Ohio; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Wichita, Kansas. These cities offer below-average home prices, low rent, strong job stability, and cost-of-living indexes far beneath national averages.
Rising housing costs and inflation are driving more Americans to rethink where they live, and 2025–2026 is shaping up to be a major relocation period. The good news? Plenty of US cities remain highly affordable while offering stable jobs, reasonable rent, and solid schools.
This guide breaks down the 10 cheapest places to live in the US, using housing data, cost-of-living indexes, and projected economic trends. Whether you're moving for work, remote life, or retirement, these cities stretch your dollar further.
10 Most Affordable Cities to Live in the US
1. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne stands out for its stability, low housing prices, and family-friendly environment, all with a cost of living nearly 20% below the national average.
Overview:
- Population: +/-267,000
- Median Home Price: ~$230,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,100
- Median Household Income: ~$62,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.5%
- Cost of Living Index: 76–82
Why It’s Cheap: Affordable property taxes, steady job growth in healthcare/logistics, and a large housing supply.
Learn more about Fort Wayne, IN
2. Toledo, Ohio
Toledo consistently ranks as one of the cheapest cities in the entire United States.
Overview:
- Population: +/-265,000
- Median Home Price: ~$126,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$900
- Median Household Income: ~$47,500
- Unemployment Rate: ~5.9%
- Cost of Living Index: 74–82
Why It’s Cheap: Sub-$150K homes and extremely low rent make this one of the best cities for budget-focused movers.
3. Knoxville, Tennessee
Affordable living meets mountain views and zero state income tax.
Overview:
- Population: 197,375
- Median Home Price: ~$360,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,800
- Median Household Income: ~$61,500
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.4%
- Cost of Living Index: 91
Why It’s Cheap: Lower-than-average taxes plus a booming tourism and healthcare industry.
Learn more about Knoxville, TN
4. Wichita, Kansas
Known for aviation and affordability, Wichita remains one of America’s most stable low-cost cities.
Overview:
- Population: 400,000
- Median Home Price: ~$215,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,150
- Median Household Income: ~$61,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.5%
- Cost of Living Index: 90
Why It’s Cheap: A large housing supply and moderate population growth keep prices in check.
5. Huntsville, Alabama
One of the best wage-to-cost ratios in the country.
Overview:
- Population: 249,000
- Median Home Price: ~$280,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,390
- Median Household Income: ~$85,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~2.8%
- Cost of Living Index: 84–88
Why It’s Cheap: High salaries in STEM and defense sectors paired with low expenses.
Learn more about Huntsville, AL
6. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Affordable living with excellent public schools and safe neighborhoods.
Overview:
- Population: 108,000
- Median Home Price: ~$270,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,099
- Median Household Income: ~$65,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~2.9%
- Cost of Living Index: 82–87
Why It’s Cheap: Low healthcare and transportation costs compared to national averages.
Learn more about Green Bay, WI
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
OKC blends affordability, job growth, and a growing arts scene.
Overview:
- Population: 706,000
- Median Home Price: ~$205,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,300
- Median Household Income: ~$66,200
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.1%
- Cost of Living Index: 83–88
Why It’s Cheap: Energy, aerospace, and healthcare industries support solid income opportunities without high cost burdens.
Learn more about Oklahoma City, OK
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A major tech and medical hub that somehow still has below-market housing costs.
Overview:
- Population: 304,000
- Median Home Price: ~$235,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,500
- Median Household Income: ~$65,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.4%
- Cost of Living Index: 87–92
Why It’s Cheap: Housing demand is stable, not inflated, even as tech grows.
Learn more about Pittsburgh, PA
9. Des Moines, Iowa
One of the most stable, affordable cities for career-minded movers.
Overview:
- Population: 210,000
- Median Home Price: ~$205,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,150
- Median Household Income: ~$64,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.8%
- Cost of Living Index: 84–90
Why It’s Cheap: Insurance and finance industries offer high job security with low living costs.
Learn more about Des Moines, IA
10. Little Rock, Arkansas
One of the cheapest capital cities in the US.
Overview:
- Population: 204,000
- Median Home Price: ~$215,000
- Median Monthly Rent: ~$1,250
- Median Household Income: ~$60,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.8%
- Cost of Living Index: 78–85
Why It’s Cheap: Housing, utilities, and groceries are consistently well below national averages
Learn more about Little Rock, AR
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to lower your cost of living without sacrificing your overall quality of life, these 10 cities are among the best options for 2025–2026. Each of these options offers affordable housing, stable job markets, and strong livability, which is a rare combination as prices continue to rise nationwide.
Choosing the right city can free up thousands of dollars per year and provide long-term financial stability. Whether you're buying a home, renting, or relocating for work, these affordable US cities are worth looking into.