Where to Find the Most Affordable Cities Across the US for Housing

For many Americans, housing remains the single largest monthly expense – whether renting or purchasing. In expensive metropolitan areas like San Jose, California, renters and homeowners can expect to pay over $2,400 per month just for housing-related costs. However, finding the most affordable cities in the US where housing is genuinely reasonable is entirely possible. ConsumerAffairs studied major American cities with populations exceeding 500,000 to identify locations where affordable housing remains accessible.

Understanding Housing Affordability in Major US Cities

The analysis examined median monthly housing expenses – covering mortgages, rent, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and other recurring costs – along with median home values. By focusing on major metropolitan areas, the research identified US cities where purchasing or renting remains economically feasible for everyday Americans. This data from the U.S. Census Bureau, collected in 2022, provides valuable insights into where housing affordability still exists in the country.

The Most Affordable Cities Ranked by Housing Costs

Detroit, Michigan claims the top position as the most affordable major city in the US. The median monthly housing cost sits at just $755, with a median home value of approximately $69,300 – making it an exceptional choice for budget-conscious homebuyers and renters. El Paso, Texas ranks second with median monthly costs of $939 and median home values around $152,800. Memphis, Tennessee follows closely with $967 in monthly housing expenses and median home values near $142,800.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers median monthly costs of $965 with median home values at $160,100. Moving slightly higher in the rankings, Tucson, Arizona, Indianapolis, Indiana, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Louisville, Kentucky, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Kansas City, Missouri round out the list of most affordable cities for housing in major American metropolitan areas.

Key Takeaways: Why These Cities Offer the Best Value

These most affordable cities across the US share common characteristics: they’re established metropolitan areas with stable job markets, lower cost-of-living indexes compared to coastal cities, and reasonable property tax structures. Each represents a practical alternative to expensive housing markets in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. For those prioritizing housing affordability, these destinations provide genuine opportunities to own or rent without financial strain.

Note: Data sourced from ConsumerAffairs and U.S. Census Bureau, based on 2022 figures. Housing costs and values may have changed since this analysis.