The Last Affordable Cities Left in America

People often say that the affordable parts of the country have vanished, but there are still pockets where a regular paycheck stretches far enough to support a steady life. These cities offer balance with low housing costs, short commutes, and everyday expenses that match what locals actually earn.

If you’re looking for a place where your income still matters, these cities prove that it’s still possible.

Decatur, Illinois

Homeownership still feels realistic in Decatur. Median values hover around $96,000, and rent averages $655. Commute times stay under 20 minutes, and the city supports nearly 70,000 residents. U.S. News ranks it as the most affordable city in the country, mainly because prices remain more inexpensive compared to Illinois’s larger urban centers.

Enid, Oklahoma

In Enid, a $151,000 home doesn’t shock anyone. Rent averages around $686, and residents earn a median income of $63,398. It’s the kind of place where “median income” actually matches what people make, and that’s more than you can say for most cities right now. That mix of decent pay, cheap housing, and minimal traffic explains why Enid scores well in national affordability rankings despite its low profile.

Weirton, West Virginia

Weirton maintains both ownership and rental costs at a low level. It’s got under 20,000 people, low rents, and homes that haven’t yet drawn national real estate envy. If you’re East Coast-adjacent but priced out everywhere else, this is one of the last places that still makes sense.

Springfield, Illinois

You’d expect a state capital to be out of reach, but Springfield has stayed fairly grounded. It’s organized, reasonably priced, and the cost of living won’t bully your paycheck. Homes cost around $168,000, with rent averages reaching $789. Springfield handles basic infrastructure and public services well, which helps residents maintain stable lives without needing inflated paychecks.

Mission, Texas

Mission’s growing fast, but the prices haven’t jumped the shark. Housing is still reasonable, and it hasn’t followed Austin or Dallas into pricing absurdity. The median home price stays around $185,000, while the average income rests at $63,734. It might not stay that way forever, but right now, it still belongs to regular people.

Bay City, Michigan

You won’t hear Bay City’s name tossed around on big city lists. And maybe that’s the point. The average home price is approximately $101,000, and the average rent is $638. With under 33,000 residents, people live without much stress. It's smaller, calmer, and shockingly affordable. You can still buy a house without turning your entire life into a financial balancing act.

Eagle Pass, Texas

If you want Texas without the big-city costs, Eagle Pass remains a viable option. It’s not flooded with newcomers, and the housing market hasn’t overheated. Nearly 29,000 people reside here, with an average commute time of 15 minutes.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith is a working-class city that never exploded, and that’s worked in its favor. Homes are modest, and life doesn’t feel stretched thin. The median home value is near $199,000, and the average rent is $686. Somehow, 90,000 people live there without the chaos.

Anniston, Alabama

Rising prices elsewhere haven’t yet steamrolled Anniston. It’s still possible to find a home for under $160,000. The town isn’t booming, but that’s in favor of people still searching for affordable living within the United States. Additionally, it hasn’t been swept up in a housing rush, which leaves space for people who simply want an everyday life.

Wichita Falls, Texas

Most major Texas cities priced their own residents out years ago. Wichita Falls hasn’t. It’s still affordable, decently sized, and offers houses that don’t require a bidding war. Over 100,000 people live here, and the average home runs about $170,000. Even the drive to work feels like it belongs to a different decade.