![venti views F6EFztyHW5Y unsplash in e1645477518290 scale - 20 most affordable cities [Based on Home Prices]](https://news.majorfact/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/venti-views-F6EFztyHW5Y-unsplash-scaled-e1645477518290.jpg "20 most affordable cities [Based on Home Prices] 3")
Home is where the heart is, but maybe where all the money is. Housing is one of the largest living expenses that adults regularly incur.
Whether one is renting or buying, the goal is usually to find a good deal. It can be helpful to learn about trends in the local housing market.
To make it easier to find affordable housing, keep reading to learn about the top 20 most affordable cities, as well as the average home price and average cost per square meter of housing in those areas.
Recommended: 25 Best Places to Live in the USA
1. Huntsville, Alabama
Median house price: $266,000
Average price per square foot: $118.
U.S. News ranked Huntsville as the most affordable place to live for two years in a row out of its ranking of the 150 most densely populated urban areas in the United States.
Residents tend to have an above-average average annual salary and spend only 19.16% of their income on living expenses. Those craving southern charm can find what they’re looking for in Huntsville.
2. Des Moines, Iowa
Median home price: $172,000
Average price per square foot: $148.
When you consider the fact that the cost of living in Des Moines is lower than the national average, and that housing prices in the area are well below the national average, it becomes quite clear why Des Moines is a great place to live! Unlike many cities, housing prices actually go up when you head to the suburbs, and downtown housing prices are more reasonable.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Median house price: $210,000
Average price per square foot: $144.
In the past, Pittsburgh has lost some of its young population to urban areas with a stronger job market, but today’s affordable housing market and job growth are once again attracting younger residents. The area has several universities, such as the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, which also attract an active and young population.
4. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Median house price: $212,000
Average price per square foot: $128.
The median annual income in Grand Rapids is less than the national average, but residents may find that their dollars diverge much more in this city due to the lower cost of living.
Housing costs are lower than the national average in the area, and residents tend to spend less on living expenses such as food and healthcare than those in other areas of the country.
5. Indianapolis, Indiana
Median house price: $185,000
Average price per square foot: $102.
Indianapolis has a vibrant downtown that is walkable and full of entertainment while enjoying the benefits of a big city. Those looking for a more suburban vibe can enjoy the outer districts, which still offer shopping and entertainment but without all the hustle and bustle of downtown Indianapolis.
6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Median house price: $246,000
Average price per square foot: $129.
Good old Baton Rouge conveys the charm of New Orleans without the crowds of tourists. Warm weather all year round and proximity to the Mississippi River give the city a romantic atmosphere.
7. Cincinnati, Ohio
Median house price: $190,000
Average price per square foot: $118.
Cincinnati has a reputation for being a sleepy Midwestern metropolis, but don’t believe the rumors! This city has many great amenities to offer from museums to professional sports teams and many great restaurants.
8. Buffalo, New York
Median house price: $185,000
Average price per square foot: $123.
Buffalo is currently experiencing something of a renaissance with a booming waterfront and one of the most advanced medical corridors in the country.
Local government support has led to an increase in local businesses, which means that Buffalo is likely to have some pretty good job opportunities for those looking to build a career.
9. Louisville, Kentucky
Median house price: $215,000
Average price per square foot: $121.
Families will love spending weekends in Louisville with easy access to the Louisville Zoo, the Kentucky Science Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum. Day by day this city is becoming more diverse! Residents move from all over the world and the city supports the LGBT community.
10. Youngstown, Ohio
Median house price: $117,000
Average price per square foot: $74.
Like many Midwestern cities, Youngstown lives up to the hype when it comes to friendly neighbors who love to celebrate their community. This city has everything that residents can wish for. The city center is surrounded by agricultural land, which allows residents to buy products from local farms!
11. Omaha, Nebraska
Median house price: $217,000
Average price per square foot: $119.
Residents of Omaha know exactly how to save money! The cost of living in Omaha is so lower than the national average that renters typically pay $100 less a month in rent than the average American. When it comes time to buy a house, average home prices are slightly lower than in other places across America.
12. Kansas City, Missouri
Median house price: $220,000
Average price per square foot: $118.
More and more millennials are flocking to Kansas City to take advantage of the fair cost of living and good job market. This younger generation has helped create a creative community in Kansas City, and locals can enjoy unique boutiques, independent coffee shops, and colorful murals throughout the city.
13. Greenville, South Carolina
Median home price: $250,000
Average price per square foot: $139.
Greenville has seen a surge in home sales in recent years. More than 40% of Greenville residents own their own home, and developers are offering new housing options downtown. Housing prices in Greenville are lower than the national average, so it’s easy to see why so many people are willing to buy homes in the area.
14. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Median house price: $159,000
Average price per square foot: $107.
For families looking for the convenience of a big city mixed with small town charm, Fort Wayne can meet all their needs and more. This mid-sized metropolis in the heart of the Midwest is a great place to buy a house, start a business, build a career, or raise kids. The annual BuskerFest dedicated to street performers is a local event not to be missed.
15. Hickory, North Carolina
Median house price: $165,000
Average price per square foot: $114.
Hickory locals happily enjoy the temperate climate and stunning mountain views in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area. The area, also known as the Catawba Valley, is home to many retirees and families, but recently more and more young professionals are beginning to take notice of the allure of hickory.
16. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Median house price: $210,000
Average price per square foot: $115.
If you love football, you’ll appreciate the fact that Green Bay is home to the Green Bay Packers, one of the most legendary football franchises in the NFL. For those who don’t play sports, there are plenty of big-city amenities, including a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, plenty of higher education opportunities, and a thriving city center.
17. St. Louis, Missouri
Median house price: $190,000
Average price per square foot: $139.
This historic metro area is home to almost 3 million people (known as St. Louisians) and is known for being a close-knit community that is very family-friendly. Hometown loyalty is strong in St. Louis, with many residents choosing to return after going to college or moving somewhere else for a while.
18. Kalamazoo, Missouri
Median house price: $168,000
Average price per square foot: $102.
This fun and quirky city attracts locals with its many theatres, museums, live music, craft brewery, farmers markets and even chili cooking. For those who love to shop, the Kalamazoo Mall is popular and well known as the country’s first open-air walking mall.
19. Lincoln, Nebraska
Average house price: $225
Average price per square foot: $120.
Lincoln has a thriving economy, low unemployment, and is considered part of the “Silicon Prairie” due to being home to some of Nebraska’s biggest tech companies. This vibrant city is filled with college students and 85,000 football fans who flock to games in the fall.
20. Spartanburg, South Carolina
Median house price: $184,000
Average price per square foot: $103.
This picturesque city has a rich history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. Today, Spartanburg is a center of innovation, home to Denny’s headquarters and the first fully-occupied BMW plant in North America. In addition to career opportunities, Spartanburg has seven institutions of higher education and is a popular destination for foodies due to the area’s vibrant food scene.
This post originally appeared on SoFi.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are issued by SoFi Lending Corp. or its affiliate (dba SoFi), a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to the California Funding Act, license #6054612; NMLS No. 1121636 Opens a new window.. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.
SoFi Home Loans
Terms, conditions and government restrictions apply. SoFi home loans are not available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
External websites: Information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement.