50 Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State
Purchasing a home requires a huge commitment — both in time and money. And this is true no matter where you choose to purchase your forever home — or, at least, your starter home.
For people who are downsizing or just starting out, budget is a huge concern when it comes to home-buying. Certainly, it’s best to live either at, or below, your means — so if there’s a way to save some money when you’re purchasing a home, why not take it?
We’ve searched high and low for the most affordable towns in each of the 50 Nifty United States (from 13 original colonies…), so you can find something that’s affordable no matter where you choose to live.
Alabama
Most Affordable Town: Gadsden
Median Home Price: $150,000
What We Love About It: Gadsden is not the place to live if you’re looking for bright lights and a big city. However, nature lovers can enjoy things like the Coosa River, Lookout Mountain, and Noccaluca Falls. Best of all, Gadsden is only about an hour away from Birmingham, so you can still get your big-city fix without being right in the mix.
Alaska
Most Affordable Town: Fairbanks
Median Home Price: $292,000
What We Love About It: Alaska is not all about polar bears and tundras (and no, you cannot see Russia from your house). Rather, Fairbanks offers an international airport, a thriving economy (thanks to tourism, both via airplanes and cruise ships), a diverse population, and plenty of natural wonders. Natural wonders are in abundance, and hiking is a popular pastime in the summer. There isn’t much to do in the winter except enjoy the Northern Lights, but hey, that’s quite the show, isn’t it?
Arizona
Most Affordable Town: Nogales
Median Home Price: $303,000
What We Love About It: Despite what politicians from a certain political party will tell you, “border towns” (that is, towns that are on the border between the United States and Mexico) are not riddled with murder, drug dealing, and other violent crime — and Nogales is proof positive of this. With the most affordable real estate in the state, Nogales is the epitome of “small-town America” that’s rife with Native American and Mexican culture with easy access to good food right across the border. Residents enjoy the humble, hardworking nature of their neighbors.
Arkansas
Most Affordable Town: Forrest City
Median Home Price: $49,000
What We Love About It: When it comes to “small-town America,” few areas on this list compare to Forrest City. Many of the people who live there are either related biologically (cousins, etc.) or socially (that is, through marriage). With that said, Forrest City certainly has a lot to offer a newcomer. Known as the “Jewel of the Delta,” Forrest City offers sports recreational programs, plenty of historic sites, and accommodations for road-weary travelers on Interstate 40.
California
Most Affordable Town: Fresno
Median Home Price: $405,000
What We Love About It: According to RentCafe, the cost of living in Fresno is 21 percent lower than California’s average (so, no, not every home has a phone number for a listing price). Housing, itself, is 47 percent lower than the nationwide average. Fresno is in central California, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and there’s no shortage of community events like farmer’s markets, craft fairs, and car shows.
Colorado
Most Affordable Town: Pueblo
Median Home Price: $327,000
What We Love About It: Pueblo is about as far away, both price-wise and culturally, from the snooty “bougie” town of Aspen. Unlike the stereotypical Colorado town, Pueblo isn’t drenched in snow — rather, it’s one of the sunniest places in the state, and outdoor activities are common. The city’s thriving restaurant scene, cultural diversity, and low cost of living all make it desirable for retirees and up-and-comers alike.
Connecticut
Most Affordable Town: Waterbury
Median Home Price: $280,000
What We Love About It: Diversity and culture reign supreme in this little-known Connecticut town. Though the town certainly has faced its share of challenges in the post-industrial era (the town was once known for its brass factories), it is slowly but surely on the upswing, and Waterbury is now considered an up-and-coming area in the state.
Delaware
Most Affordable Town: Dover
Median Home Price: $375,000
What We Love About It: Dover’s proximity to the Air Force base makes it desirable for military families. But that’s not all it’s known for. Rather, Delaware’s capital is lauded for offering big-city services with a small-town feel. The city is both culturally and racially diverse, and it’s also known for its low crime rate, excellent public schools, and historic downtown district. Best of all, it’s a short drive away from Philadelphia and New York City, making the “big city” not that distant after all.
Florida
Most Affordable Town: Altamonte Springs
Median Home Price: $220,000
What We Love About It: Florida isn’t just Miami, theme parks, and crazy stories about crazy criminals. Altamonte Springs is a suburb of Orlando that’s about 40 miles or so from the nearest theme park, so residents don’t have to worry about tourism traffic or noise pollution. For families with young children, the public schools earned very high rankings, and many enjoy the tranquility that the area has to offer. There is also a high concentration of young professionals in the area, and unemployment is at only 4 percent.
Georgia
Most Affordable Town: Americus
Median Home Price: $253,000
What We Love About It: Americus’s claim to fame is that it is only 8 minutes away from the home of President Jimmy Carter, and the residents take a lot of pride in their connection to the Commander in Chief. The town has a small-town feel, and the “big city” of Atlanta is nearly three hours north of there, so this is not recommended for people who need constant action in their lives. But the downtown area gets rave reviews for its unparalleled views, especially the area near the historic Windsor Hotel and the Ryland Theater.
Hawaii
Most Affordable Town: Waianae
Median Home Price: $577,000
What We Love About It: Aloha life is the best life, but Hawaii residents don’t all love living in tourism hubs. With beautiful beaches, a wide array of Native Hawaiian activities, and a racially diverse makeup, the culture of Waianae is built on mutual respect and service to one’s neighbor, so you’ll never feel alone here.
Idaho
Most Affordable Town: Burley
Median Home Price: $380,000
What We Love About It: Few states embody “all-American values” like Idaho. Although there isn’t much to do there in terms of culture and nightlife, the people there are all universally friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of opportunities for boating on the river in the summertime and skiing in the mountains in the wintertime. The latter sometimes brings an influx of tourists into the area, making it a perfect economic opportunity for those who live in the area to make some extra money.
Illinois
Most Affordable Town: Rockford
Median Home Price: $155,000
What We Love About It: With affordable homes, a thriving economy, and a small-town feel near a big city (Chicago), Rockford is proving to be a viable alternative to big-city life for young Illinois professionals. The city is safe, clean, and affordable. Industries such as manufacturing, engineering, health care, and retail all provide a variety of jobs to a variety of professionals, making it a city with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
Indiana
Most Affordable Town: Muncie
Median Home Price: $155,000
What We Love About It: Muncie is a town that boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the state, which already makes it desirable to homebuyers. The community is thriving, and neighbors aren’t afraid to help one another. What’s more, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities, as parks and nature preserves are plentiful. Retirees also enjoy the serene way of life, though Muncie’s vibrant downtown is attractive to young professionals looking for a night out.
Iowa
Most Affordable Town: Waterloo
Median Home Price: $145,000
What We Love About It: For Americans who prefer to live a farming type of life, Waterloo is the perfect town to call home. With a low cost of living, Waterloo is known for both its meatpacking industries and its manufacture of farming equipment (particularly tractors). The town is also the host of the National Cattle Congress every September. Culturally, there isn’t much to do, but The Grout Museums and the Rensselaer Russell House Museum are all must-sees for visitors.
Kansas
Most Affordable Town: Topeka
Median Home Price: $189,000
What We Love About It: The capital city of Kansas has a lot of incentives for people to move there — to the tune of $15,000. According to The New York Post, the Choose Topeka program offers cash incentives and connections with housing and jobs. This has made it attractive to retiring military, as well, who enjoy the “Midwest Nice” way of life. While Topeka has a way to go in terms of ethnic diversity, it’s a city that’s quickly growing and has a low cost of living, to boot.
Kentucky
Most Affordable Town: Owensboro
Median Home Price: $191,000
What We Love About It: Actor Johnny Depp lived here as a child, and it’s no wonder why: the town is very faith-based and family-oriented, so Owensboro is attractive to young families who are looking for a deep sense of community. Interpersonal relationships take precedence over social and political status, and the community prides itself on thriving based on these connections.
Louisiana
Most Affordable Town: Bastrop
Median Home Price: $89,000
What We Love About It: Not every place in Louisiana has the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. For those who prefer a quiet type of life, Bastrop offers all the culture without any of the noise. Bastrop is home to the Louisiana Cotton Festival and Fair, and agriculture reigns supreme. Best of all, Bastrop’s outdoor activities include Chemin-A-Haut State Park and Bussey Brake Reservoir, which are must-sees for even casual tourists.
Maine
Most Affordable Town: Waterville
Median Home Price: $290,000
What We Love About It: New England culture isn’t just confined to Boston. Waterville, Maine, is the cultural capital of the state. Some of the many cultural attractions include the Waterville Opera House (which is nothing short of architecturally spectacular), the Colby College Museum of Art, the Redington Museum, and the Maine Film Center. Nature lovers, too, will love that Waterville is known as the “Elm City” because of all the gorgeous towering elm trees in the area.
Maryland
Most Affordable Town: Dundalk
Median Home Price: $225,000
What We Love About It: For those who want to live near the water without paying exorbitant “beach house” prices, Dundalk offers a viable alternative. This coastal town has great schools, which makes it attractive to families with young children. Its unparalleled views of the Chesapeake Bay make it a hot vacation spot for both young professionals and families, with retirees enjoying the serenity of the coastal town as well.
Massachusetts
Most Affordable Town: Weymouth
Median Home Price: $639,000
What We Love About It: If you’re a Massachusetts native and you’re looking to “settle down” with your family away from the hustle and bustle of Boston, look no further than Weymouth, MA. With a low crime rate, a quiet neighborhood of hardworking neighbors, and the enjoyable Town Civic Center District, Weymouth offers all the perks of “big city” life without the crime or the noise.
Michigan
Most Affordable Town: Battle Creek
Median Home Price: $230,000
What We Love About It: Battle Creek is another town that has had its fair share of challenges in the past, but it seems to have overcome them, and many residents report feeling both safe and secure in the area. It’s close to many major freeways, making access to other parts of the state easy. Best of all, it has numerous state parks where people can enjoy boating and lake activities, and its proximity to Grand Rapids makes it desirable for young professionals.
Minnesota
Most Affordable Town: Hibbing
Median Home Price: $163,000
What We Love About It: Hibbing admits that it has a way to go when it comes to cultural and ethnic diversity. However, for residents of this Midwestern small town, the “family feel” is what keeps them coming back and staying, even after they go to college in “the city.” There are plenty of small shops and nice restaurants to get a home-cooked meal, and the school system is one of the best in the state.
Mississippi
Most Affordable Town: Jackson
Median Home Price: $121,000
What We Love About It: Like many parts of the American South, Jackson has had a bit of a turbulent history. At one point, the area was riddled with racially motivated violent crime. However, in the past ten years, diversity has been infused into the area, making it palatable for young professionals to purchase an affordable home. With an unparalleled local music scene, world-renowned restaurants, and nearly 30 museums spread throughout the city, Jackson has a lot more to offer than it appears on the surface.
Missouri
Most Affordable Town: Joplin
Median Home Price: $225,000
What We Love About It: New residents rave about the “rustic” downtown area, with many college students enjoying the thriving nightlife in the area. Shopping, walking trails, and golfing are just a few of the many activities to do, and many of the residents love the fact that the neighbors seem to truly care about one another in that “Midwest nice” way.
Montana
Most Affordable Town: Laurel
Median Home Price: $415,000
What We Love About It: Montana’s popularity has skyrocketed in the wake of Yellowstone‘s popularity, but many truly underestimate what it means to live in a small town in the state until they get to Laurel. With plenty of family events, good schools, and a true neighborly feel, Laurel’s biggest asset is that it’s only 25 minutes away from the big city of Billings, so you’re never too far from civilization if the quiet begins to get to you.
Nebraska
Most Affordable Town: Alliance
Median Home Price: $190,000
What We Love About It: Alliance is slowly making its way into cultural forays, with several authentic Mexican restaurants popping up in the area in recent years. The town also has a thriving bar and nightlife scene, with many of the neighbors proudly looking out for one another when they need it most. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad supplies most of the jobs in the area.
Nevada
Most Affordable Town: North Las Vegas
Median Home Price: $422,000
What We Love About It: Would you like to live near Las Vegas but not right on the Strip? Consider North Las Vegas, which is the affordable and suburban part of the city. The taxes are lower than in the city proper, the public schools are top-notch, and the crime is non-existent. Plus, many residents enjoy both the day life (which includes lots of hiking and nature walks, assuming it isn’t in the dead of summer) and nightlife (which includes pubs and restaurants frequented by locals as opposed to the touristy parts of the Strip), and there’s no shortage of businesses to employ the residents.
New Hampshire
Most Affordable Town: Berlin
Median Home Price: $230,000
What We Love About It: Much like the German city that shares its name, New Hampshire’s Berlin offers a quieter way of life with an emphasis on the close-knit community in the area. Retirees have started moving into the area in droves, and consequently, there have been many businesses that have cropped up in the area that cater to the older population.
New Jersey
Most Affordable Town: Camden
Median Home Price: $129,000
What We Love About It: In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Camden was — to put it politely — very rough. The crack epidemic had taken hold of the area, and violent crime was everywhere. Over the past 20 years, however, elected officials have made a great effort to “clean up” the area, and crime has dropped to become nearly non-existent. Gentrification, too, has started to take over the area, as many professionals who work in nearby Princeton (both at the Ivy League university and several businesses in the area) have found the town an attractive, affordable alternative.
New Mexico
Most Affordable Town: Roswell
Median Home Price: $278,000
What We Love About It: Despite its infamy for Area 52, Roswell is not only an affordable place to live but a nice one for families. There are more than 30 parks and outdoor recreational facilities for people of all ages to enjoy. Bottomless State Park is a local favorite, with residents extolling its fishing, camping, and swimming that can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the weather in the area.
New York
Most Affordable Town: Rome
Median Home Price: $170,000
What We Love About It: People who are scared away from buying in New York because of the so-called “downstate” area (that is, anything south of Westchester County, which includes Manhattan, the Five Boroughs, and Long Island) are missing out on the rest of the state, which is a natural wonderland. Rome, which is near the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls, is about as far away from the hustle and bustle of NYC as you can get, both geographically and culturally. With many high-tech companies and cybersecurity firms employing people in the area, a salary goes a long way in providing a serene, affordable life surrounded by nature’s finest beauty.
North Carolina
Most Affordable Town: Rocky Mount
Median Home Price: $225,000
What We Love About It: Rocky Mount is not only the most affordable place to live in North Carolina but the fourth most affordable place to live in the United States. Its quiet way of life and affordability make it attractive to newcomers, and its proximity to Interstate 95 makes it attractive to young professionals who travel for work.
North Dakota
Most Affordable Town: Walhalla
Median Home Price: $97,000
What We Love About It: The landscapes, the landscapes, the landscapes. If you ever wanted to feel like you lived in a wide-open country (and many Europeans truly underestimate how large the United States truly is), Walhalla is the place for you. With friendly residents, a low cost of living, unparalleled food options, and (again) the landscapes, Walhalla is just the place to enjoy a quiet, simple kind of life.
Ohio
Most Affordable Town: Ashtabula
Median Home Price: $195,000
What We Love About It: With affordable housing and reliable public transportation, Ashtabula offers amazing views of Lake Erie. The cost of living is also very low, making it very attractive for young people who are just starting their professional careers.
Oklahoma
Most Affordable Town: Anadarko
Median Home Price: $80,000
What We Love About It: Known as the “Indian Capital of the Nation” due to its high Native American population, Anadarko is the capital of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, the Delaware Nation, and the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. It is also the home of the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians and has one of the lowest costs of living in the entire state.
Oregon
Most Affordable Town: Medford
Median Home Price: $457,000
What We Love About It: Not everyone who moves to the Pacific Northwest wants to live in Seattle or Portland. For those people, there’s Medford, which offers a family-friendly environment and a great place for retirees. Medford also has great public schools, amazing outdoor activities, and less harsh weather than the rest of the Pacific Northwest, which tends to be very cold and damp.
Pennsylvania
Most Affordable Town: Erie
Median Home Price: $198,000
What We Love About It: When it comes to enjoying an all-American suburban life within driving distance of three major cities (Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland), Erie, PA is second to none. Presque Isle offers a beach-like atmosphere, and there’s an abundance of restaurants from cultures all over the world to expose the residents to a whole new world outside of their usual environs. The Erie Bluffs, the Bicentennial Tower, and the Tom Ridge Center are also must-sees.
Rhode Island
Most Affordable Town: West Warwick
Median Home Price: $370,000
What We Love About It: West Warwick is a family-friendly neighborhood that has overcome its past issues with crime to become a culturally diverse, safe city. It is close to the capital city of Providence and a short drive to Boston, yet it offers all the benefits of living in a small town. Best of all, it has a new public track that many people use.
South Carolina
Most Affordable Town: Gaffney
Median Home Price: $235,000
What We Love About It: The city’s official website boasts about its abundant “Southern Charm,” and it’s no wonder: this South Carolina town is equidistant to both the beach and the mountains and offers gorgeous outdoor activities for families and retirees alike. The low cost of living means that you don’t have to go into debt to enjoy the natural beauty that’s abundant in this Southern state.
South Dakota
Most Affordable Town: Huron
Median Home Price: $240,000
What We Love About It: One of the few Midwest towns with lots of ethnic diversity, Huron boasts the lowest cost of living in the state. Huron is also proud to call itself a “small town,” and it’s the home of both the South Dakota State Fair and a statue called the World’s Largest Pheasant, which is exactly what it says it is.
Tennessee
Most Affordable Town: Rockwood
Median Home Price: $285,000
What We Love About It: Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rockwood has less than 6,000 residents who live there full-time. It’s a peaceful city with many friendly (and familiar) places for residents, and a quick drive will get you to the gorgeous Spring City for all your cultural and shopping needs. Knoxville is also close by, and residents often go to the Smoky Mountains for a vacation.
Texas
Most Affordable Town: Amarillo
Median Home Price: $280,000
What We Love About It: One of the biggest draws to Amarillo is both its family friendliness and its excellent school system. The cost of living is also much less than the national average, and both of these factors make Amarillo attractive to both young professionals and families with children. Best of all, it is culturally and ethnically diverse, with low crime rates and an excellent array of shops and restaurants for locals to enjoy.
Utah
Most Affordable Town: Provo
Median Home Price: $525,000
What We Love About It: Utah, as a state, is a very Mormon-dominant state. With that said, there is a very large non-LDS (Latter-Day Saints) community in Provo, making it attractive to those who don’t necessarily follow that way of life. And that’s a good thing because Provo has everything to offer: affordable living, a family-friendly environment, world-class outdoor activities including skiing and hiking, and outdoor sports aplenty.
Vermont
Most Affordable Town: Rutland
Median Home Price: $350,000
What We Love About It: In the words of a resident of Rutland: “Great freakin’ people! Neighbors are very friendly. They could teach Southerners a thing or two about hospitality.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement of the benefits of living in this historic 19th-century railroad town, nothing is.
Virginia
Most Affordable Town: Martinsville
Median Home Price: $169,000
What We Love About It: Martinsville is considered by Virginia residents as “the Door to Appalachia,” and it’s very tied into the Appalachian culture. It’s also culturally and ethnically diverse, with a strong community and friendly neighbors who are always all too pleased to lend a helping hand when you need it most.
Washington
Most Affordable Town: Yakima
Median Home Price: $406,000
What We Love About It: The Yakima Valley, itself, is quite large, and the climate ranges from temperate and farming (the apple farms rival that of New York State, and the cherry farms are second-to-none) to a vast desert climate. There is one huge drawback to Yakima, however: it is not very tolerant of LGBTQIA+ people. However, per the residents there, the town is working on the proverbial “hearts and minds” of the older, more conservative residents.
Washington DC
Most Affordable Town: Foggy Bottom
Median Home Price: $330,000
What We Love About It: If the noise of Capitol Hill and the bougie vibe of “the DC crowd” holds as much appeal as a Congressional hearing on intellectual property law, check out Foggy Bottom, which is nestled on the Potomac River. Everything about the place — from the vibe to the residents — is quiet, and the homes are far more affordable than the rest of the area. That said, a bustling nightlife isn’t that far away, so you don’t have to feel as though you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere.
West Virginia
Most Affordable Town: Huntington
Median Home Price: $142,000
What We Love About It: Most of West Virginia is affordable, especially compared to the rest of the country, but Huntington is the most affordable of all. Considering that it’s a small town with a very small-town feel, the town offers a vibrant downtown district, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs for locals to enjoy.
Wisconsin
Most Affordable Town: Racine
Median Home Price: $205,000
What We Love About It: Given the homogeneity of Wisconsin, as a whole, it’s refreshing to see a town like Racine, which is culturally and ethnically diverse. The town is making a bit of a comeback after suffering a few economic hits in the not-too-distant past, but it gets high marks for its sense of community and excellent schools.
Wyoming
Most Affordable Town: Evanston
Median Home Price: $385,000
What We Love About It: If you or someone you love is in the oil business, and are looking for a family-friendly place to live, Evanston is right for you. Though the town doesn’t boast a wide variety of restaurants (you’ll have to travel to nearby Green River for that, which is an hour away), it has a low crime rate and a lot of active and retired military in the area. Best of all, the schools are quite good as well.