10 Least Affordable U.S. Cities in 2025
In 2025, the American housing landscape presents a stark contrast between cities where the cost of living is soaring and those where affordability remains within reach. While some urban centers continue to challenge residents with high expenses, others offer budget-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality of life. The 10 least affordable U.S. cities in 2025 are primarily located along the coasts, with California alone accounting for three of them. According to recent data, cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle are among the most expensive, with households allocating a significant portion of their income towards common bills.
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco continues to top the list of least affordable cities in the U.S. With a median home price exceeding $1.3 million, the city’s housing costs have far outpaced wage growth. The tech boom has attracted a wealth of high-paying jobs, but it has also driven up the cost of living, making it challenging for middle-income families to afford housing. Also, the city’s limited housing supply, coupled with strict zoning regulations, has exacerbated the affordability crisis.
2. New York City, New York
New York City remains a challenging place for budget-conscious residents. The median home price in the city is approximately $763,358, with rent prices also ranking among the highest in the nation. The high cost of living extends beyond housing, encompassing transportation, food, and other daily expenses. The city’s allure, driven by its cultural offerings and economic opportunities, continues to attract residents despite the financial strain. However, the affordability crisis has led many to seek housing in outer boroughs or neighboring states.
3. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles combines high home prices with rising utility and transportation costs, making it one of the least affordable cities in the U.S. In 2025, the median home price in the city is around $784,840, which is also among the highest nationwide. The city’s sprawling layout necessitates car ownership, adding to the financial burden through fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. Additionally, the demand for housing in desirable neighborhoods has led to gentrification, displacing long-time residents and altering community dynamics.
4. Miami, Florida
Miami’s housing market is experiencing a severe affordability crisis, driven by rapid population growth, rising home prices, and soaring rents. This has led to longtime residents being priced out of their homes and struggles for average earners to find affordable housing. In 2025, the median home price in Miami is projected to be $560,000, according to a real estate housing market forecast. The median rent in Miami is also around $3,050. Additionally, the influx of new residents, coupled with limited housing development, has strained the housing market. Additionally, the city’s vulnerability to climate change and rising insurance costs further complicate the affordability landscape.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu’s high housing costs, driven by limited space and expensive imports, make it one of the most unaffordable cities in the US. The median home price is exceptionally high, impacting the cost of living and basic necessities. In 2025, the median home price in Honolulu, HI is $610,000. The average rent in Honolulu is $1,700 per month. The cost of living is further inflated by the need to import goods, leading to higher prices for everyday items.
6. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s tech boom has driven up real estate prices, displacing middle-income families. In 2025, the median home price in Seattle, WA is $856,167, while median rent in Seattle, WA is $2,026. Although, the rapid growth of the tech industry has attracted a highly paid workforce, intensifying competition for housing. This demand has led to the redevelopment of neighborhoods, often resulting in the displacement of long-standing communities and altering the city’s cultural fabric.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s education and tech sectors make it desirable but unaffordable for many. In Boston, MA, the median home price in 2025 is $730,000. The average rent is $3,526 per month. Specifically, another research reported the average rent as $3,526 per month in June 2025. Also other studies report the median home value as $730,000 in February 2025, with a high cost of living that extends to utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Efforts to increase affordable housing have been met with challenges, including community opposition and regulatory hurdles.
8. San Diego, California
San Diego is known for having a high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. In 2025, the average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,349 per month. This is significantly higher than the national average of $1,627 per month, making San Diego one of the most expensive rental markets in the US. The median home price is around $1 million. The city’s desirable climate and coastal location have driven demand for housing, but limited land availability and strict zoning laws have constrained supply. This imbalance has led to increased housing costs, making it challenging for average earners to afford living in the city.
9. Denver, Colorado
Denver has rapidly gentrified, pricing out many longtime locals. In 2025, the average rent in Denver is $1,672 per month. The median home sold price in Denver was $582,384 in April 2025, down 3.1% from last year. The city’s growing economy and outdoor lifestyle have attracted new residents, intensifying competition for housing. This demand has led to the redevelopment of neighborhoods, often resulting in the displacement of existing communities and altering the city’s character.
10. Austin, Texas
Austin, once affordable, has now become a hotspot with housing prices to match. The median home price in the city has surged, driven by an influx of tech companies and new residents seeking a vibrant cultural scene. In June 2025, the median home price in Austin, Texas was around $575,934, with a median price per square foot of $305. Real estate services operating the area reports that Austin homes sold for 1.2% more than they did a year ago. The rapid population growth has strained the housing market, leading to increased prices and limited availability.
10 Most Affordable U.S. Cities in 2025
The dream of finding an affordable city in the US is now within reach, thanks to several cities offering a great balance of quality of life and affordability. In 2025, the top 10 most affordable US cities to live in include a mix of small towns and metropolitan areas that boast low housing costs, reasonable utility expenses, and strong job markets. From the Midwest to the South, cities like Michigan, New York and Ohio offer a range of benefits, including short commute times, minimal traffic, and access to excellent healthcare services and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top contenders;
1. Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan, has been identified as the most affordable city in the U.S. for homebuyers based on its low cost of living and affordable home prices relative to residents’ incomes. The city’s median home price per square foot is $61, significantly lower than the national average. The city’s affordability is partially due to a high vacancy rate, a remnant of its economic challenges. However, Flint’s drinking water has now been in compliance with federal standards for six years, and efforts are underway to revitalize the community.
2. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the second-most affordable city for homebuyers, with a median house price only being slightly over twice the median household income. The median price per square foot is also very low, at roughly $87. The city’s affordability is boosted by a more than 22% vacancy rate, a leftover from the city’s 2013 financial crisis. Efforts to revitalize Detroit have included investments in infrastructure and community development, attracting new residents and businesses.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is considered an affordable city with a vibrant community, particularly for homebuyers. The city benefits from lower price-to-income ratios and significant housing availability, making it a desirable place to live and work. The city’s economy has diversified beyond its industrial roots, with growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. This economic stability, combined with affordable housing, makes Pittsburgh an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
4. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo offers affordable housing and a vibrant community. The Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area has the most affordable housing market in the U.S., with nearly 90% of the new and existing homes sold in the metropolitan area during the second quarter being affordable to families making the area’s median income of $57,000. The city’s economy has begun to see significant improvements since the early 2010s, with investments in construction programs and job creation.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is rebounding with low-cost real estate and a revitalized downtown. The city offers affordable housing options, with a median home price significantly lower than the national average. The city’s economy has diversified, with growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Efforts to revitalize downtown Cleveland have included investments in infrastructure and community development, attracting new residents and businesses.
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City combines low rents with a steady job market. The city offers affordable housing options, with a median home price significantly lower than the national average. The city’s economy is supported by sectors such as energy, aerospace, and healthcare. Oklahoma City’s affordability, combined with its economic stability, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio offers cultural attractions without the big-city price tag. The city boasts affordable housing options, with a median home price of approximately $252,000, which is 38% below the national median . This affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families seeking a vibrant community with rich cultural heritage. The city’s housing market has seen a recent decline in prices, with a 3.1% drop over the past year. This trend provides opportunities for buyers to enter the market at more accessible price points.
8. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville offers cultural attractions without the big-city price tag. The city boasts affordable housing options, with a median home price of approximately $253,784, which has increased by 5.2% over the past year. This affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families seeking a vibrant community with rich cultural heritage.
9. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is quietly becoming a haven for budget-conscious movers. The city offers affordable housing options, with a median home price of approximately $210,143, which has increased by 3.0% over the past year. This affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a vibrant community with a lower cost of living.
10. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is quietly becoming a haven for budget-conscious movers. The city offers affordable housing options, with a median home price of approximately $210,105, which has increased by 2.9% over the past year . This affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a vibrant community with a lower cost of living.
This story 10 U.S. Cities Breaking Budgets and 10 That Still Offer a Bargain in 2025 was first published on Daily FETCH
