10 Best Affordable Cities to Live in 2027

Direct Answer

The best overall affordable city to live in is Huntsville, Alabama, where a strong aerospace and defense economy pairs with a median home price near $280,000 to deliver real jobs at a low cost. For value, Fort Wayne, Indiana wins as Best Value, with a median home price around $230,000 and one of the lowest costs of living of any mid-size city.

This list is for people prioritizing low cost of living while keeping access to jobs, healthcare, and amenities. Prices below range from roughly $200,000 in the most affordable markets to about $320,000 at the top. Every city is a real metro, ranked on housing cost, overall cost of living, job market, and livability.

1. Huntsville, Alabama 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Huntsville, population near 225,000, is "Rocket City," home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and a deep aerospace-and-defense workforce.

The median home price is roughly $280,000, with a cost of living below the national average. The economy includes Boeing, Blue Origin, and many engineering firms, giving it high median incomes for an affordable city. Alabama's income tax tops at 5%.

It ranks #1 for pairing genuinely high-paying engineering jobs with low costs. It fits engineers, defense workers, and families wanting strong incomes without coastal prices.

2. Fort Wayne, Indiana 💎 BEST VALUE

Fort Wayne, population near 270,000, is Indiana's second-largest city, repeatedly cited among the most affordable places to live in America.

The median home price is about $230,000, and the overall cost of living runs well below average. The economy spans defense electronics, healthcare through Parkview and Lutheran systems, and manufacturing. Indiana's income tax is a flat 3.0%.

It earns Best Value for rock-bottom housing costs with a stable, diversified economy. It fits families, first-time buyers, and anyone stretching a modest income.

3. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, population near 200,000, sits near the Smoky Mountains with the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory nearby.

The median home price is around $320,000, and Tennessee has no state income tax. The economy blends the university, the national lab, and healthcare. The mountains and the Tennessee River provide recreation.

It ranks for no income tax plus mountain access at a reasonable price. It suits families, outdoor lovers, and university or lab workers.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, population near 700,000, has revitalized its downtown around the Bricktown district and offers very low housing costs.

The median home price is about $240,000. The economy spans energy, aviation (Tinker Air Force Base), and healthcare. Oklahoma's income tax tops around 4.75%. The cost of living is well below the national average.

It ranks for big-city amenities at low cost. It suits families, energy workers, and budget-conscious professionals.

5. Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, population near 210,000, is a major insurance and finance hub with a high quality of life and low costs.

The median home price is around $240,000. Employers include Principal Financial, Wells Fargo operations, and Nationwide. Iowa's income tax is a flat 3.8%. The downtown and East Village offer walkable amenities.

It ranks for finance jobs at a low cost. It suits insurance and finance professionals and families.

6. Wichita, Kansas

Wichita, population near 400,000, is the "Air Capital of the World," home to aircraft manufacturers Textron, Spirit AeroSystems, and Bombardier Learjet.

The median home price is about $210,000, among the lowest here. The aviation industry anchors the economy. Kansas income tax tops at 5.58%. The cost of living is very low.

It ranks for aviation jobs at minimal cost. It suits aerospace workers and budget-focused families.

7. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, population near 72,000, transformed its downtown around Falls Park and offers a strong manufacturing economy.

The median home price is around $340,000. BMW's largest plant is nearby in Spartanburg, and Michelin's North American headquarters is in town. The income tax tops around 6.2% but the cost of living is moderate. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs 22 miles.

It ranks for a lively downtown plus manufacturing jobs. It suits families and auto-industry professionals.

8. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis, population near 880,000, is a major distribution and sports hub with notably low housing costs for a city its size.

The median home price is about $240,000, and Indiana's income tax is a flat 3.0%. The economy spans logistics, healthcare (Eli Lilly), and a strong sports and convention business. Mass Ave anchors the arts district.

It ranks for big-city amenities at low cost. It suits families, logistics workers, and healthcare professionals.

9. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, population near 195,000, is Alabama's largest city, anchored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham medical complex.

The median home price is about $230,000. UAB is the state's largest employer, driving a major healthcare and research economy. The cost of living is low. Alabama's income tax tops at 5%.

It ranks for affordable healthcare-sector jobs. It suits medical professionals, researchers, and families.

10. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, population near 410,000, offers low housing costs and even pays remote workers to relocate through the Tulsa Remote program.

The median home price is around $230,000. The economy spans energy, aerospace, and healthcare. Oklahoma's income tax tops around 4.75%. An Art Deco downtown and the Gathering Place riverfront park add appeal.

It ranks for low costs plus relocation incentives. It suits remote workers and budget-minded families.

How to Choose

• Look beyond home price to total cost of living, including utilities, taxes, and transportation, which all run low in these cities.
• Confirm a real job market in your field, since Huntsville (aerospace), Wichita (aviation), and Des Moines (finance) each specialize.
• Use no-income-tax or flat-tax states like Tennessee (Knoxville) and Indiana to keep more income.
• Check healthcare access, which is strong in Birmingham (UAB), Indianapolis (Eli Lilly), and Knoxville.
• Investigate relocation incentives such as Tulsa Remote, which can offset moving costs for eligible remote workers.

FAQ

Which city has the lowest cost of living?

Wichita, Kansas and Fort Wayne, Indiana have the lowest housing costs here, with median home prices near $210,000 and $230,000. Both pair low costs with stable manufacturing and aviation economies.

Which affordable city has the best-paying jobs?

Huntsville, Alabama leads, with high engineering salaries from NASA, defense contractors, and aerospace firms. Des Moines (finance) and Birmingham (UAB healthcare) also offer strong incomes relative to their low costs.

Do any of these cities pay people to move there?

Yes. Tulsa, Oklahoma's Tulsa Remote program offers a cash grant to eligible remote workers who relocate. Several other smaller cities run similar incentive programs that change year to year.

Are affordable cities good for families?

Yes. Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Des Moines combine low housing costs with solid schools, healthcare, and amenities, making them strong choices for families on a budget.

Bottom Line

For the best overall affordable city to live in, Huntsville, Alabama pairs high-paying aerospace and defense jobs with a roughly $280,000 median home price. For the best value, Fort Wayne, Indiana offers one of the lowest costs of living anywhere at a $230,000 median home price.

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts population estimates
• Zillow Home Value Index and median sale price data
• Tax Foundation, state individual income tax data
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, metro wage and employment data
• U.S. News & World Report, Best Places to Live rankings
• Council for Community and Economic Research, Cost of Living Index
• Realtor.com metro market trends