Survey Reveals the U.S. Cities Offering the Best Bang for Your Buck

Everyone’s looking for that sweet spot: a place to live that feels like home, offers long-term value, and doesn’t break the bank. 

But in big cities like New York or Los Angeles, even a modest starter home can come with a hefty price tag — one that’s often more than most people earn in a decade. So, is it too much to ask for comfort, community, and affordability all in one place? 

Not at all. 

When you zoom out, a different picture comes into focus. Across the country, smaller cities are quietly offering more — more space, more connection, and more peace of mind — for a lot less money. 

We surveyed real estate professionals across the U.S. to discover the cities that truly deliver on comfort, community, and cost. Here’s what we found. 

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Key findings 

Florida dominates (but not the usual suspects) 

• Ocala
• Pensacola
• Sebring 

We’re not talking about Miami or Tampa, and that’s the point. Florida’s best-kept secrets are often inland or Gulf-side, where the beaches are beautiful, and home prices haven’t skyrocketed (yet). 

These towns offer a rare mix of nature, nostalgia, and sunshine in a way that still feels grounded and attainable. 

The Carolinas are quietly winning 

• Greer, SC
• Aiken, SC
• Sanford, NC
• Morganton, NC

Smaller Southern towns are starting to shine in the Carolinas. 

What sets them apart? Stable economies, revitalized downtowns, and a lower cost of living — often 10-15% below the national average. And since they’re just a short drive from major hubs like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greenville, you get more value without giving up access. 

Texas offers range and affordability 

• Wichita Falls
• Temple
• San Angelo 

These might not be the cities making headlines, but they’re making serious moves. 

With many homes still under $200K and strong local job markets across industries like education, healthcare, and the military, these Texas towns offer both staying power and savings. It’s a reminder you don’t need a big city to build a big future. 

Midwest cities are undervalued, not underperforming 

• Zanesville, OH
• Lima, OH
• Fond du Lac, WI
• Dubuque, IA 

If you’re looking for community-first towns where real estate prices haven’t caught up with the rest of the country, start in the Midwest. 

These spots offer deep roots, low housing costs, and a slower pace of life that still feels affordable and grounded — like 1998, but in the best way possible. 

Mountain West & New England are scattered, but promising 

• Kalispell, MT
• Claremont, NH
• Barre, VT 

You won’t find dozens of low-cost cities in these regions, but the ones that do stand out are worth a closer look. 

These areas can be limited by housing inventory, but what they offer in return is hard to beat: access to nature, walkable town centers, and seasonal charm. 

College towns pull double duty 

• Bowling Green, KY
• Valdosta, GA
• Starkville, MS
• Ruston, LA 

Where students go, smart buyers often follow. Universities bring energy, events, and reliable employment, which helps keep local economies stable year-round. 

These towns tend to blend affordable housing, strong rental markets, and vibrant community life — making them attractive not just for college life, but also long-term living. 

Industrial towns with a second act 

• Akron, OH
• Pueblo, CO
• Jamestown, NY 

These cities may have industrial roots, but they’re writing a new story built on revitalization, innovation, and community pride. 

With growth in industries like healthcare, logistics, and the arts (not to mention microbreweries!), they’re finding new ways to thrive without losing what makes them unique. 

Affordability isn’t just in the South and Midwest 

• Chico, CA
• Redding, CA
• Albany, OR 

Yes, many of the most affordable cities are in the South or Midwest, but there are still hidden gems out West where affordability hasn’t completely vanished. 

Tucked between the West Coast and the mountains, these budget-friendly communities prove you don’t have to give up location to get a better deal. You can have both — a place you love and a price you can live with. 

Thinking of making a move? 

If there’s one thing this list makes clear, it’s that the dream of homeownership isn’t gone — it’s just found a new zip code. 

More people are realizing that value doesn’t mean settling. It means rethinking what truly matters: space to grow, room to breathe, and a community that feels like home. And now, with remote work more common than ever, these places aren’t just a fallback plan — they’re a smart move. 

Methodology 

This report is based on an online panel survey of 3,021 real estate agents across the U.S., selected based on age, gender, and geographic representation. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. 

Respondents are carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey. Throughout the survey, we designed questions to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants. 

To ensure the integrity of our data collection, we employ an array of data quality methods. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.