Top 50 Most Affordable U.S. Cities 2024: Cheapest Places To Rent & Live In The USA

Posted on by Nick Raffoul
Most Affordable Places To Live: 10 Cheapest US Cities To Rent an Apartment in 2023

Thanks to inflation, the cost of living in the U.S. has been on the rise and finding affordable housing has become a top priority for many Americans.

While major cities are known for their vibrant cultures and thriving job markets, they can also come with high living costs, particularly regarding rent. However, there are some lesser-known cities across the United States where the rent won’t break the bank. Using data from the Chamber of Commerce, Best Canadian Stocks has analyzed the cheapest cities to rent in the U.S. based on the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment.

Let’s explore the top 10 most affordable cities with the lowest rent in the U.S., where you can still enjoy a good quality of life without draining your bank account. Click on a city to learn more:

  1. Laredo, Texas — $604 per month
  2. Toledo, Ohio — $660 per month
  3. Wichita, Kansas — $690 per month
  4. Lubbock, Texas — $695 per month
  5. Lincoln, Nebraska — $775 per month
  6. Little Rock, Arkansas — $850 per month
  7. Corpus Christi, Texas — $826 per month
  8. Cleveland, Ohio — $825 per month
  9. El Paso, Texas — $800 per month
  10. Fort Wayne, Indiana — $800 per month

Skip to the Top-50 most affordable U.S. cities to live in.

Related: Most Expensive U.S. Cities To Rent A One Bedroom Apartment In 2024

10 Cheapest U.S. Cities To Rent In 2024

Laredo Texas is one of the cheapest places to live and rent a one bedroom apartment in 2023.

While major cities often steal the spotlight, these U.S. cities prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality of life for affordable housing.

From the warm hospitality of Texas to the charming appeal of the Midwest, these top 10 cities with the lowest rent offer diverse experiences without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re starting a new chapter in life or simply looking to save on living costs, these hidden gems across the United States provide attractive options for those seeking budget-friendly housing solutions.

1. Laredo, Texas — An Unassuming Bargain

Topping the list is Laredo, Texas, where renters can find a one-bedroom apartment for an astonishingly low price of $604 per month. This city on the southernmost border of Texas offers a blend of cultures, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, all while keeping housing costs at a minimum.

2. Toledo, Ohio — Rust Belt Charm with Affordable Living

In Toledo, Ohio, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment stands at just $660 per month. Nestled along the scenic Maumee River, Toledo is known for its friendly community, affordable lifestyle, and diverse arts scene.

3. Wichita, Kansas — A Thriving Hub with Affordable Rent

Wichita, Kansas, is a city that boasts a vibrant aerospace industry and a rich cultural heritage. Renters here can secure a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $690 per month, making it an attractive destination for those seeking budget-friendly housing options.

4. Lubbock, Texas — The Heart of the South Plains

Located in West Texas, Lubbock, offers a unique blend of Western charm and modern amenities. With an average rent of $695 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, this city allows residents to experience a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

5. Lincoln, Nebraska — A Capital City with Affordable Rent

Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, offers a balance of urban amenities and a friendly atmosphere. With an average rent of $775 per month for a one-bedroom unit, Lincoln provides an affordable living option in the Great Plains region.

6. Little Rock, Arkansas — Southern Hospitality at a Bargain

In Little Rock, Arkansas, residents can enjoy the warmth of southern hospitality along with affordable rent. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $850 per month, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing in the South.

7. Corpus Christi, Texas — Coastal Living without the High Price Tag

Corpus Christi, situated along the Gulf of Mexico, offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Renters can secure a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $826 per month, making it an affordable destination for beach lovers.

8. Cleveland, Ohio — Rustic Charm with Low Rent

Cleveland, Ohio, nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, offers a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. With an average rent of $825 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, Cleveland provides an affordable living option in the Midwest.

9. El Paso, Texas — A Texan Gem with Affordable Housing

El Paso, Texas, shares its border with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, creating a unique blend of cultures. With an average rent of $800 per month for a one-bedroom unit, El Paso offers an affordable lifestyle with a touch of international flair.

10. Fort Wayne, Indiana — Midwestern Comfort with Low Rent

Rounding off our list is Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment stands at $800 per month. With its friendly community and various outdoor recreational opportunities, Fort Wayne provides an affordable option in the heart of the Midwest.

Related: Rent-to-Income Gap: Top-10 Hardest U.S. Cities To Afford Rent in 2024

Top 50 Most Affordable Cities To Rent in the U.S. (2024)

Rank City State Median Rent:

One Bedroom

 Median Income Income Needed for

One Bedroom

1 Laredo Texas $604 $40,027 $24,160
2 Toledo Ohio $660 $42,544 $26,400
3 Wichita Kansas $690 $45,231 $27,600
4 Lubbock Texas $695 $43,020 $27,800
5 Lincoln Nebraska $775 $48,394 $31,000
6 Fort Wayne Indiana $800 $45,202 $32,000
7 El Paso Texas $800 $41,533 $32,000
8 Cleveland Ohio $825 $41,441 $33,000
9 Corpus Christi Texas $826 $45,199 $33,040
10 Little Rock Arkansas $850 $50,553 $34,000
11 Des Moines Iowa $850 $46,726 $34,000
12 Tulsa Oklahoma $895 $44,986 $35,800
13 Milwaukee Wisconsin $895 $44,781 $35,800
14 Lexington Kentucky $900 $51,575 $36,000
15 Oklahoma City Oklahoma $900 $47,700 $36,000
16 Omaha Nebraska $907 $51,180 $36,280
17 Baton Rouge Louisiana $930 $40,208 $37,200
18 Indianapolis Indiana $937 $47,495 $37,480
19 St. Louis Missouri $950 $51,150 $38,000
20 Winston-Salem North Carolina $950 $45,941 $38,000
21 Memphis Tennessee $950 $40,928 $38,000
22 Detroit Michigan $950 $40,163 $38,000
23 Augusta Georgia $950 $37,326 $38,000
24 Cincinnati Ohio $975 $50,677 $39,000
25 Tucson Arizona $988 $41,931 $39,520
26 Rochester New York $1,025 $43,101 $41,000
27 Kansas City Missouri $1,026 $49,865 $41,040
28 San Antonio Texas $1,049 $44,167 $41,960
29 Spokane Washington $1,050 $51,332 $42,000
30 Bakersfield California $1,050 $51,952 $42,000
31 St. Paul Minnesota $1,051 $54,501 $42,040
32 Albuquerque New Mexico $1,055 $51,609 $42,200
33 Greensboro North Carolina $1,062 $42,420 $42,480
34 Minneapolis Minnesota $1,100 $61,845 $44,000
35 Pittsburgh Pennsylvania $1,100 $56,023 $44,000
36 Buffalo New York $1,100 $48,634 $44,000
37 Huntsville Alabama $1,109 $61,897 $44,360
38 Columbus Ohio $1,122 $50,698 $44,880
39 Norfolk Virginia $1,122 $45,614 $44,880
40 Arlington Texas $1,157 $45,262 $46,280
41 Fayetteville North Carolina $1,195 $38,083 $47,800
42 Madison Wisconsin $1,200 $59,986 $48,000
43 Fresno California $1,220 $47,729 $48,800
44 Garland Texas $1,240 $40,800 $49,600
45 Houston Texas $1,245 $47,686 $49,800
46 Baltimore Maryland $1,250 $52,758 $50,000
47 Stockton California $1,250 $48,736 $50,000
48 Richmond Virginia $1,275 $50,782 $51,000
49 Reno Nevada $1,295 $50,032 $51,800
50 Glendale Arizona $1,300 $45,602 $52,000

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