The Midwest is known for its charm, rich history, strong sense of community, bustling cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, and gorgeous rivers, lakes, and green forests. It’s no wonder that so many people love living in the vibrant Midwest region. If you’re considering a move to the Midwest and trying to stick to a budget, we’re here to help.
Redfin has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable places to live in the Midwest so you can find the perfect city that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep reading to see what cities made the list.
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1. Detroit, MI
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Median home price: $75,000
Average sale price per square foot: $67
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,782
Median household income: $37,761
Detroit, MI homes for sale
Detroit, MI apartments for rent
Taking the first spot on our list of the most affordable places to live in the Midwest is Detroit, MI. “Motor City,” Detroit is known for its automotive history, as the birthplace of Motown Records, and home to sports teams like the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. Detroit’s median home sale price is $75,000, with a population of 713,700. Some popular attractions in Detroit include the Detroit Institute of Arts, Belle Isle Park, and the Motown Museum.
2. Toledo, OH
Median home price: $95,000
Average sale price per square foot: $80
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $764
Median household income: $45,405
Toledo, OH homes for sale
Toledo, OH apartments for rent
The second city on our list is Toledo, OH, a charming city with a median home sale price of $95,000. Located along Lake Erie, Toledo is home to about 287,200 residents. Toledo is known for its history in the glass industry, as it’s home to Libbey Glass, so the city is often called the “Glass City.” There are plenty of things to do in Toledo such as checking out the Toledo Museum of Art, exploring the Toledo Zoo, and strolling through Toledo Park along the Maumee River.
3. Cleveland, OH
Median home price: $102,500
Average sale price per square foot: $71
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,525
Median household income: $37,271
Cleveland, OH homes for sale
Cleveland, OH apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $102,500, Cleveland, OH, is next up. This city has a population of 396,800 and is located along the shores of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland is a great area to consider moving to that is affordable and has plenty of things to do. For example, you can explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Make sure to check out the West Side Market, a public market dating back to 1912, where you can find various local food stalls.
4. Akron, OH
Median home price: $118,000
Average sale price per square foot: $89
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $830
Median household income: $46,596
Akron, OH homes for sale
Akron, OH apartments for rent
Another Ohio city to make our list is Akron, which has a median home sale price of $118,000. Home to 199,100 residents, Akron has a welcoming community feeling. In Akron, you can check out the exhibits at the Akron Art Museum, explore the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where you’ll find hiking trails, nature views, and waterfalls, and take a tour of the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a historic house museum.
5. Peoria, IL
Median home price: $122,900
Average sale price per square foot: $77
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,010
Median household income: $58,068
Peoria, IL homes for sale
Peoria, IL apartments for rent
The fifth city on our list of most affordable places to live in the Midwest is Peoria, IL. Situated along the Illinois River, Peoria is a picturesque city with a median home sale price of $122,900. The city has a population of 115,000 and is known for attractions like the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Donovan Park, and Grand View Drive, a scenic drive through that has stunning views of the river and surrounding area.
6. Dayton, OH
Median home price: $130,000
Average sale price per square foot: $84
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $849
Median household income: $41,443
Dayton, OH homes for sale
Dayton, OH apartments for rent
The last Ohio city to make our list is Dayton, a lively city with a median home sale price of $130,000. The city has a population of 141,500 and is home to attractions such as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which showcases a variety of aircrafts, Carillon Historical Park, where you can find a Wright Brothers Plane, and the Dayton Art Institute, featuring a variety of works.
7. South Bend, IN
Median home price: $135,000
Average sale price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $987
Median household income: $49,056
South Bend, IN homes for sale
South Bend, IN apartments for rent
Seventh is South Bend, IN, a charming city with a median home sale price of $135,000. There are about 101,200 residents living in South Bend. The city is located along the St. Joseph River and is most well-known as the home of the University of Notre Dame. Make sure to also visit the Studebaker National Museum featuring a range of vintage cars, check out some of the many historic homes like the Oliver Mansion, the Birdsell Mansion, and the Kizer House, and explore Pinhook Park, located along the river.
8. Lansing, MI
Median home price: $135,900
Average sale price per square foot: $102
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $932
Median household income: $50,747
Lansing, MI homes for sale
Lansing, MI apartments for rent
Michigan’s state capitol, Lansing, is eighth on our list. Lansing has a median home sale price of $135,900, giving residents plenty of affordable options. In Lansing, there are plenty of attractions like visiting the Michigan State Capitol, discovering the exhibits at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and Impression 5 Science Center, seeing the animals at the Potter Park Zoo, and taking a scenic riverboat cruise.
9. Rockford, IL
Median home price: $142,450
Average sale price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,039
Median household income: $50,744
Rockford, IL homes for sale
Rockford, IL apartments for rent
In northern Illinois, you’ll find the next city, Rockford. There are many reasons to consider moving to this affordable area of about 152,800 people. Rockford is home to attractions like the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, and the charming downtown, where you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and views of the Rock River.
10. Springfield, MO
Median home price: $143,000
Average sale price per square foot: $65
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $769
Median household income: $43,450
Springfield, MO homes for sale
Springfield, MO apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable places to live in the Midwest is Springfield, MO. This lively city has a median home sale price of $143,000 and population of about 159,500. Springfield is home to attractions such as the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park featuring gorgeous botanical gardens, picnic areas, and a lake, and Pythian Castle.
Methodology: All cities must have over 100,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median list prices in their respective states. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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