Delicious restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of entertainment options are just a few things that attract people to living in big cities. However, living in a bustling city can come with a large price tag. If your dream is to live in the city, but you want to save some money, here are the top 10 most affordable cities to consider during your next move.
10. Saint Louis, MO
Average monthly market rent: $961
Population: 2,802,829
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Missouri had the 6th lowest cost of living in the United States in 2020 and Saint Louis follows suit. According to CoStar research, apartment rent has decreased by 53.3% in the past year. Nicknamed the Gateway to the West, Saint Louis is where Lewis and Clark began their famed expedition. The city is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument honoring the explorations of Lewis and Clark.
Saint Louis blends city living with the feel of a college town with 40 colleges, universities, and technical schools located in the city. Between lively nightlife, award-winning restaurants, sprawling green spaces, interesting museums, and thrilling entertainment venues, there’s plenty to do in Saint Louis. Visit the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park, home of the 1904 World Fair, or cheer on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Venuses like the Fabulous Fox and BB's Jazz, Blues and Soups continue to honor the city’s arts and jazz legacy. This Midwest city is the second largest city in the state by population and with these abundant amenities available, it’s not hard to see why renters are attracted to the area.
9. Cleveland, OH
Average monthly market rent: $938
Population: 2,039,763
Cleveland is Ohio’s second largest city. You might know Cleveland for being home to the World Champion Cavaliers or the location of the beloved a Christmas Story house, but the city has even more to offer. Resting along the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland offers residents lakeside fun along with a slew of entertainment options. During the summer, locals flock to waterfront parks like Edgewater Park and Voinovich Bicentennial Park. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are just a few popular attractions located in Cleveland. Music venues like Playhouse Square Center, one of the largest performing arts centers in the country, and Music Box Supper Club help pay tribute to the city’s musical roots. Sports fans delight at FirstEnergy Stadium, and Cleveland State University adds even more excitement in the heart of the city. Once you’re feeling hungry, check out West Side Market, a historic market serving international cuisines.
8. Cincinnati, OH
Average monthly market rent: $937
Population: 2,202,796
Cincinnati is one of the oldest cities in the United States, blending the quaint charm of a Midwestern town with modern urban living. Historic locales like the Over-the-Rhine boast gorgeous 19th-century architecture while lush natural areas like Washington Park provide locals with a breath of fresh air. Cincinnati attractions draw thousands of visitors each year. Art aficionados admire masterpieces at the Cincinnati Art Museum, while sports fans can cheer on the Cyclones, the Reds, and the Bengals at Paul Stadium, the Great American Ball Park, or Heritage Bank Center. Museums like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Museum Center honor the city’s unique past. Combined with a low cost of living, renters are attracted to the city’s employment opportunities. Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and Macy’s Inc. are just a few of the companies headquartered in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is nicknamed the “Queen City” and it certainly reigns as one the best affordable cities to live in.
7. Indianapolis, IN
Average monthly market rent: $934
Population: 2,082,588
This bustling capital city is nicknamed the Crossroads of America since it’s located in the center of the state and is a major transportation hub that's no more than four hours away from other major Midwestern cities including Cincinnati, Chicago, and Cleveland. Indianapolis provides the best of each world, blending urban, suburban, and even rural landscapes so renters have a variety of appealing neighborhoods to choose from, thanks to spread-out land and the White River. Indianapolis is best known for the Indy 500, a world-famous motor race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but there is plenty to do year-round. Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts), Circle Centre Mall, and the Indianapolis Zoo are a few of the popular attractions in Indianapolis. The city is also home to 40 institutions of higher learning including Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
6. Omaha, NE
Average monthly market rent: $931
Population: 957,654
Located in the Corn Belt, Omaha merges pastoral beauty with a vibrant cityscape. Omaha is the hometown of Warren Buffett and the city has maintained a reputation for having a thriving economy. Paired with the success of multiple companies, Omaha has received multiple awards for its affordability and low unemployment. Apartment rent in Omaha has decreased by 32.5 percent in the past year. Omaha has a buzzing downtown with an incredible scene for food and breweries along with several stadiums like TD Ameritrade Park, which is the location of the annual College World Series. Downtown is also home to Creighton University and several museums like the Omaha Children's Museum. Beyond the city center, Omaha resembles a small town with tree-lined streets, open fields, and plenty of parks, so it might be a great option if you’re looking for a lower key city.
5. Louisville, KY
Average monthly market rent: $921
Population: 1,302,993
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and is best known for being home to the iconic Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby Festival (which has the largest annual fireworks show in the nation) is certainly the biggest event of the year, but the excitement doesn’t end once the races are over. Louisville has a vibrant downtown district filled with museums, shops, and more. Downtown’s Southern food scene keeps mouths watering while art galleries feed the city’s rising arts community. The KFC Yum! Center hosts concerts and basketball games while riverboat tours along the Ohio River showcase the city’s beauty. The city also has nearly 30 colleges and universities, which also keeps the area energetic. The abundance of amenities combined with affordability is causing renters to flock to Louisville. Rent in Louisville has decreased by 32.5% percent within the past year.
4. Memphis, TN
Average monthly market rent: $882
Population: 1,359,213
Nestled along the waters of the Mississippi River, Memphis is one of the United States’ largest distribution centers, yet it is one of the most affordable places to live, partly because there are no state, city, or county income taxes in Memphis. Apartment rent has also decreased by 62.6 percent over the past year. Memphis is a famed music town where legendary musicians grew up and/or recorded music, including B.B King, Isaac Hayes, and Elvis Presley. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum pay tribute to the city’s musical roots while the National Civil Rights Museum honors the city’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Downtown Memphis is packed with Southern eateries and music venues while festivals like the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival add to the excitement. Mud Island River Park and riverboats allow residents to enjoy the water during the summer.
3. Tucson, AZ
Average market rent: $839
Population: 1,057,584
Low rentals aren’t the only thing that makes Tucson an oasis for Arizona renters. This desert town is nestled between multiple mountain views and natural areas, providing residents with picturesque scenery and plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and other outdoor hobbies. The Saguaro National Park houses the country’s biggest cacti while Sabino Canyon has majestic wildlife. The University of Arizona, the Pima Air & Space Museum, and Davis-Monothan Air Force Base are all located in Tucson. Downtown Tucson is a rising locale with plenty of options for entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and dining.
2. Oklahoma City, OK
Average market rent: $782
Population: 1,419,272
Also known as OKC or the Big Friendly, Oklahoma City is gaining popularity for its revitalized downtown area and proximity to outdoor adventure. Along with its entertainment venues, OKC’s downtown is known for its trendy breweries and colorful arts scene. The Oklahoma City Thunder plays in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, car shows are held in the Cox Convention Center, and the Civic Center Music Hall hosts plays and other live performances in an ornate art deco building. The University of Oklahoma is located just north of downtown. Similar to Omaha, once you exit the heart of OKC, the city begins to resemble the suburbs or a rural small town. Fittingly, OKC is near the Wichita Mountains, which is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
1. Tulsa, OK
Average monthly market rent: $763
Population: 1,003,227
Tulsa was deemed the “Oil Capital of the World” during the 1950s and 1960s. Although oil is no longer the economic driver of the city, Tulsa maintains a thriving economy and a lower cost of living. The aerospace and technology industries have replaced oil and Tulsa is now home to American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Center, the world’s largest airline-owned maintenance and engineering facility. The University of Tulsa, Langston University, and Oklahoma State University are right outside of Downtown Tulsa, which is packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. If you’re looking for a more peaceful area, Tulsa has multiple neighborhoods that feel secluded, embodying the stillness Oklahoma is known for.
These dynamic, culturally rich areas are just a few examples of affordable cities you can live in. If your dream city didn't make the list, keep in mind even expensive cities New York City and Los Angeles have more affordable neighborhoods that could help you save a little money. When searching for your next home on Apartments.com, you can use renter tools, filters, and local guides to discover which city or neighborhood is best for you and your budget.
