You’ve had your share of rentals, flatmates, and studio apartments, and it’s about time you settle down in a house of your own in a city you call home. But every time you open the U.S. map, you realize that despite your options being plenty, your budget is pretty tight. And it might seem like the safest and prettiest cities will cost you a fortune to move to, but we’re here to help you out—some of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. just so happen to be the best as well. 

These Are the Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

1. El Paso, Texas

Median house price: $171,380

Cowboy boots, pickup trucks, family Sundays, Friday night football, country music—you’re already thinking of Texas. This state is home to some of the fastest-growing and most affordable cities in the U.S., and we specifically have our eyes on El Paso. With affordable housing and living, a highly ranked schooling system, and flourishing businesses, it’s no wonder why the city’s popularity only keeps on growing. The University of Texas at El Paso, the country’s leading Hispanic-serving university, is also located here, where admissions are less selective with an acceptance rate of 100 percent. Besides the hot summers, life in El Paso has more pros than cons. 

2. Bakersfield, California

Median house price: $328,210

You’ll find many lists of affordable places to move to in the Golden State—somewhere on those lists is the small town of Bakersfield. Located between Los Padres and Sequoia National Forests, this charming town has a diverse demographic of retirees, young professionals, and families with kids. As one of California’s best inexpensive college towns, Bakersfield is in close proximity to many coveted destinations—it’s about 2.5-hours inland from Pismo Beach. Live the California life you’ve always dreamed of in one of the cheapest cities in the U.S.

3. Fresno, California

Median house price: $330,620

Fresno provides the perfect conditions for visitors to fall in love with it. Residents of one of the most affordable places to live on theWest Coast enjoy big-city living with a small-town charm—talk about having the best of both worlds. Streets lined with restaurants, boutiques, and businesses satisfy the needs of city lovers. On the other hand, friendly neighbors, community events, and farmers markets attract those who appreciate the simpler things in life. Oh, and did we mention that your kids will get to enjoy all the exciting things to do in this Central Valley city?

4. Ogden, Utah

Median house price: $341,330

It’s hard to believe that a city so awesome can also be one of the cheapest places to live in America. Ogden gives its residents the opportunity to sustain a high quality of life with a low cost of living. Moving here means you get to take advantage of big-city amenities and enjoy small-town attractions, and you don’t have to choose between the two. Learn about the ins and outs of Ogden’s housing market—with all the affordable prices, you just might end up moving here.

5. Eureka, California

Median house price: $379,210

Did you know that the most breathtaking Northern California beach town is also one of the most affordable? Eureka features amazing outdoor adventure, world-class restaurants, breathtaking nature, and an overall great public transportation system. Here, nature, culture, and history come together to create an atmosphere that’s unique to this coastal town. As one of the best coastal towns to retire in, Eureka’s fame is increasingly becoming a coveted city, so you’d better check out the house listings before the prices inflate.

6. Raleigh, North Carolina

Median house price: $371,540

Many people are moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, and it’s making you wonder: “What is it about this place that keeps attracting people with different interests?” When living here, you get to create fond memories with your friends and family while engaging in outdoor activities, going shopping, and indulging in delectable cuisine. Great educational institutes and an abundance of job opportunities also make this city the ideal place to move to. But most important of all is the real estate market—you get more space for your dollar in comparison with other cities of the same quality. Now that the secret is out, we’re pretty sure you’re somewhat interested in checking out one of the best affordable places to live in the U.S.

7. Stockton, California

Median house price: $420,930

Ideally, we’d all be living in the San Francisco Bay Area, having sourdough with every meal, and watching the sunset from Twin Peaks. But unfortunately, that lifestyle comes with a hefty price tag. The good news is that 90 minutes away is Stockton, the perfect solution to your dilemma. Life in Stockton is pretty busy and at the same time, the city manages to stay true to its urban feel thanks to its beautiful nature. With a constantly growing economy, it’s pretty surprising that the cost of living in Stockton is still pretty low, especially compared to surrounding cities. Interested in moving to one of the most affordable places in Northern California? That’s what we thought.

8. Clovis, California

Median house price: $450,480

Located in the Golden State’s Fresno County, Clovis is another of one the cheapest towns in the U.S.A. Top-ranked schools, vibrant food scene, beautiful nature, and lively downtown make this city a coveted place in California. The small and quiet town is an ideal city to raise or start a family—it’s also a short drive from the Sierra National Forest and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Recently, Clovis has been making headlines as one of the fastest-growing cities in California, even during the pandemic. This town has been experiencing swift development and advancement although California itself is growing at its slowest rate in more than a century; now that’s impressive. 

What are you waiting for? Thinking too much will only increase the chances of you losing your dream house in Clovis—go ahead and make the move now.