10 Cheapest US Cities to Live (2025): Rent, Salaries & More

Moving to a new city doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget until it snaps. Many Americans are finding that the secret to financial freedom lies in the Midwest and South, where your money buys a lot more.

In these low-cost areas, housing prices are low, and the salary you need to live well and save is often less than half of what’s required on the expensive coasts. If you want to move up in your career or simply save money faster, these cities are your best bet.

Here is a look at ten of the most affordable cities in the US this year, detailing the actual costs and the salary you need to be comfortable.

The Best Value Cities: Low Costs, High Savings

These cities stand out because they offer very low costs across the three biggest parts of your budget: housing, groceries, and transportation. The average single person needs a salary in the range of $30,000 to $55,000 to live comfortably and save money in these places.

Note: The areas below are listed in no particular order and are not ranked from most expensive to least expensive.

Where & What Your Money Buys

Decatur, Illinois

Decatur constantly ranks among the most affordable places in the country. The biggest reason is housing, which costs about 49% less than the national average.

• The Housing Deal: The median price to buy a house is roughly $128,000. Renting is cheap, too, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $707 per month.
• The Comfort Cost: A single person needs a salary starting around $35,000 to be comfortable and save money here.

Akron, Ohio

Known for its manufacturing history, Akron is now a top spot for low-cost living in Ohio. While its average home price is a little higher now, it offers a solid bargain for daily costs.

• The Housing Deal: Buying a home is still much cheaper than the national average, with prices around $277,000. Renting is also a bargain, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $865.
• The Comfort Cost: To live comfortably and save, a single person should aim for a salary of about $50,600.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is a surprising find, offering big-city amenities and culture without the NYC price tag. It’s one of the most affordable cities in the Northeast.

• The Housing Deal: The median home price is around $220,000, which is excellent for New York state. Rent is also very manageable, with a one-bedroom averaging about $950 per month.
• The Comfort Cost: Because New York state taxes are higher, a single person needs a salary around $55,000 to be truly comfortable and put money aside.

Brownsville, Texas

Located in the warm Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville offers incredible affordability combined with the financial benefit of having no state income tax in Texas.

• The Housing Deal: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is only around $880 per month. Housing costs are about 45% lower than the national average.
• The Comfort Cost: A single adult can live well and meet financial goals with a salary around $40,000.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis offers big-city culture, music history, and job opportunities without the huge price tag of other large metros. Tennessee also has no state income tax.

• The Housing Deal: Home prices are still very low among major cities, with a median price around $190,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,309.
• The Comfort Cost: A single adult needs a salary around $54,800 to live comfortably and save money here.

Wichita, Kansas

Known for its aviation industry, Wichita has a strong, stable job market combined with a low cost of living.

• The Housing Deal: The median price to buy a home is manageable at around $198,000. Rent is also cheap, averaging around $1,110 for a one-bedroom apartment.
• The Comfort Cost: For a single person to be comfortable and put money into savings, a salary around $47,000 works well.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

This mid-sized Midwest city offers a blend of low costs and consistent growth. It scores well below the national average for nearly every expense.

• The Housing Deal: Housing costs are low, with an average rent of around $959. The average listing price for a home is about $372,000.
• The Comfort Cost: A single person can be comfortable with a salary around $48,000, making it an attractive option for starting a career.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers low costs alongside great outdoor options.

• The Housing Deal: Housing is very affordable, with a median home price near $174,000. Rent is also cheap, averaging around $1,164.
• The Comfort Cost: A single person can be comfortable on a salary around $50,000, especially since the cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa has become a focus for people seeking affordability, thanks to its low housing costs and a growing downtown. The state has an overall low cost of living.

• The Housing Deal: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,298. The median home price is around $237,500.
• The Comfort Cost: Tulsa is a solid choice for a single person aiming for a salary around $45,000 to live well and save.

Des Moines, Iowa

As Iowa’s state capital, Des Moines offers a stable job market and a very low cost of living.

• The Housing Deal: Housing is significantly cheaper than the national average, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $982. The average home listing price is about $359,000.
• The Comfort Cost: Des Moines allows a single person to be comfortable on a salary around $43,500.

The Path to Financial Freedom

These ten cities are your best bet for achieving financial success in 2025. By choosing a city where your largest expense—housing—is low, you can dramatically increase your savings rate and achieve goals like homeownership years sooner than you could on the high-priced coasts.

If your goal is to save money and build wealth, choosing a place where your money works harder is the key to success.