6 Top Affordable US Cities To Live In

With the cost of living rising, there is no doubt that residing in an affordable US city is extremely desirable. So here at Trending impact we have looked at the top cities where you can potentially achieve an affordable standard of living. 

We analyzed over 600 strong contenders to select the 6 Top Affordable Places in the US. This was selected by weighing up key factors including average monthly homeowner costs, median monthly rent and the percentage of the population without health insurance as key indicators of affordability and standard of living. This was achieved using numerical data from Data USA and the 2020 American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau which helped to shed light on affordable spots. 

As well as this, we assessed important data such as average food prices, fuel costs and utility bills to help reveal affordability within each location. Assessing these key elements, coupled with unemployment rates to get an idea of residents’ financial position, allowed us to compile a list of what we recommended as the Top 6 Affordable Cities in the US.

6 Top Affordable US Cities We Are Loving

1. Flint, Michigan

Populated with over 81,000 citizens, Flint offers an ideal living environment. The city boasts much more affordable properties than in other US towns, with the median home value as low as $34,000. 

Located along the Flint River, residents can enjoy the beautiful nature this city has to offer free of charge with the 11,000 acres of woods, water and trails of Michigan’s largest county park systems. The city is also enriched with reasonably priced shops, galleries, museums and the Flint Farmers’ Market, with many affordable recreational activities too.

2. Detroit, Michigan

With a low median home value of $58,900, Detroit offers a wonderful destination to live in. The median monthly homeowner cost is only $542, meaning residents should be able to spend less on bills and boost their savings whilst living in this remarkable city.

And if you do wish to spend a few bucks, there are many restaurants, theaters, museums and sport games to spend time at. Alternatively, you can enjoy walking the streets which possess many architectural germs. Residents can also check out the promenade of entertainment and outdoor recreation along the Detroit River at the RiverWalk.

3. Dayton, Ohio

Alongside low costs, residents of Dayton are spoilt for choice when it comes to recreational activities, with options to visit local attractions such as museums and exhibitions, and parks with an abundance of green space and walking trails. With a 4.5% unemployment rate, there are very few residents out of jobs so it is easier to have a comfortable standard of living in this city than in other places in the US.

4. Decatur, Illinois

Home to over 70,000 Americans, Decatur provides a suburban feel within Macon County. The city boasts a low median monthly rent of $669 for those not looking to purchase a property, and is home to many stores, chapels, restaurants, parks and an inland lake where residents can enjoy a tranquil day of fishing. Better yet, only 5.8% of the population are without health insurance, which indicates that this is an affordable place to live since most citizens are covered.

5. Austin, Texas

It is no surprise that there is high desirability amongst Americans to live in Austin! The state capital of Texas is relatively affordable, with a $960 median monthly homeowner cost. With its diverse music scene including the blues, country and rock genres, and the abundance of parks and lakes that are enjoyed for free by many, there are countless activities to keep residents busy.

6. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls offers a sound standard of living with an affordable median monthly rent of $849 and a low unemployment rate of 2.1% which is the lowest in our study. Falls Park features the Big Sioux River which is a main attraction, as well as Sertoma Park’s butterfly house and aquarium. 

Data Findings: 6 Top Affordable US Cities