10 US Cities with the Most Affordable Housing in 2025

Housing costs shape family budgets and influence long-term financial plans. In 2025, several cities stand out as the most affordable places for buyers and renters.

Each city offers a strong mix of low home prices, favorable price-to-income ratios, and modest rent levels.

Infographic showing the top 10 most affordable US cities for housing in 2025, comparing median home prices, household income, price-to-income ratios, and average rents for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments in cities like Toledo, Wichita, Little Rock, and others
Affordable Housing in the US

1. Toledo, Ohio

Metric Value
Median Home Price $190,700
Median Household Income $61,000
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.1
Avg. 1BR Rent $804/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $925/month
Toledo provides a powerful example of affordability. Home prices stay near $191,000, making them accessible to local families. The price-to-income ratio sits at 3.1, showing a strong balance between wages and home costs.

Average rents remain low. One-bedroom apartments rent for about $804, and two-bedroom units rent for $925. The local job market supports steady income levels, allowing families to consider ownership without heavy financial stress.

2. Wichita, Kansas

Metric Value
Median Home Price $218,500
Median Household Income $67,000
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.3
Avg. 1BR Rent $812/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $979/month
Wichita offers stability through affordable housing options. Median home prices rest at $218,500, supported by a healthy median income of $67,000.

Rent costs rank among the lowest in large cities, and the price-to-income ratio remains favorable at 3.3. Rental options help residents find comfortable living spaces without draining budgets.

Also: Check out the U.S. Cities With Best Air Quality.

3. Little Rock, Arkansas

Metric Value
Median Home Price $222,100
Median Household Income $60,900
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.6
Avg. 1BR Rent $904/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,072/month
Little Rock combines moderate home prices with low rent figures. Median home prices reach about $222,100, and incomes average around $60,900.

The price-to-income ratio of 3.6 demonstrates reasonable home accessibility. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment stays near $904, offering another path to affordable living.

4. Akron, Ohio

Metric Value
Median Home Price $223,400
Median Household Income $66,650
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.4
Avg. 1BR Rent $782/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,002/month
Akron’s housing market supports families seeking economic stability. Median home prices remain around $223,400, with incomes close to $66,650. Rents hold at about $782 for one-bedroom units and $1,002 for two-bedroom units.

A price-to-income ratio of 3.4 offers balance between earnings and costs.

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Metric Value
Median Home Price $216,800
Median Household Income $70,600
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.1
Avg. 1BR Rent $1,402/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,777/month
Pittsburgh delivers strong affordability, especially for homebuyers. The median home price reaches $216,800, while median income stands at $70,600. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1 supports financial comfort.

Rent remains higher than in some cities but aligns with income levels.

6. St. Louis, Missouri

Metric Value
Median Home Price $255,200
Median Household Income $74,530
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.4
Avg. 1BR Rent $1,187/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,702/month
St. Louis presents balanced housing opportunities. Homes cost around $255,200, and median income sits at $74,530. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,187, keeping options open for renters.

The price-to-income ratio of 3.4 supports affordability for buyers.

7. Scranton, Pennsylvania

Metric Value
Median Home Price $211,800
Median Household Income $60,540
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.5
Avg. 1BR Rent $1,179/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,273/month
Scranton combines low home prices and reasonable rent. Homes price around $211,800, with incomes near $60,540.

The price-to-income ratio of 3.5 gives a solid base for affordability. Rent levels help residents manage monthly budgets without strain.

8. Des Moines, Iowa

Metric Value
Median Home Price $285,700
Median Household Income $80,060
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.6
Avg. 1BR Rent $1,065/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,233/month
Des Moines stands out for strong incomes and reasonable housing costs. Median home prices stay near $285,700, and median income leads the list at $80,060. The price-to-income ratio of 3.6 remains favorable.

Rent averages $1,065 for one-bedroom apartments and $1,233 for two-bedroom units.

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Metric Value
Median Home Price $237,100
Median Household Income $66,300
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.6
Avg. 1BR Rent $952/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $1,201/month
Oklahoma City offers affordable choices for families and young professionals. Median home prices stay at $237,100, supported by a $66,300 median income. The price-to-income ratio sits at 3.6.

Rent averages near $952 for one-bedroom units, supporting accessible living arrangements.

10. Jackson, Mississippi

Metric Value
Median Home Price $196,900
Median Household Income $58,060
Price-to-Income Ratio 3.4
Avg. 1BR Rent $885/month
Avg. 2BR Rent $999/month
Jackson completes the list with attractive price points. Median home prices reach $196,900, and incomes average $58,060. The price-to-income ratio remains favorable at 3.4.

Rent for one-bedroom apartments holds at $885, allowing families and individuals to manage expenses.

Final Thoughts

Several US cities offer residents a chance to own or rent without severe financial burden. Cities in the Midwest and South lead in affordability. Each city supports a practical balance between home prices, rent costs, and income levels.

Families can choose confidently, knowing that strong value meets comfort and stability. Only some territories outside of the United States might offer a chapter homes than these 10.

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