The East Coast is renowned for its diverse culture, historic landmarks, bustling metropolises like New York City and Boston, and a stunning coastline dotted with charming seaside towns and pristine beaches. From the vibrant energy of city life to the tranquility of coastal retreats, the East Coast offers many experiences for residents and visitors alike. It’s no wonder so many people call the East Coast home.
If you’re contemplating a move to the East Coast while sticking to a budget, we’re here to help. Redfin has compiled 10 of the most affordable places to live along the East Coast so you can discover a city that aligns with both your budget and lifestyle goals. Read on to see which cities have made the list.
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1. Baltimore, MD
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Median home price: $200,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,475
Median household income: $58,349
Baltimore, MD homes for sale
Baltimore, MD apartments for rent
The first city on our list of most affordable places to live on the East Coast is Baltimore, MD. With a median home sale price of $200,000, this is a great area to call home. Baltimore has roughly 602,500 residents, so you’ll have a big city feel without the price tag. There are plenty of things to do in Baltimore, like exploring the downtown area where you’ll find museums, shops, and the iconic Lexington Market, taking in the views from Inner Harbor, and checking out the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
2. Pittsburgh, PA
Median home price: $217,950
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,375
Median household income: $60,187
Pittsburgh, PA homes for sale
Pittsburgh, PA apartments for rent
Next up on our list is Pittsburgh, PA, with a median home sale price of $217,950. Philadelphia is home to about 302,900 residents and is known for its Gilded Age landmarks like the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Make sure to explore the Market Square, which dates back to 1764, the Fourth Avenue Historic District, and take in the scenic views from Point State Park.
3. Philadelphia, PA
Median home price: $234,700
Average sale price per square foot: $191
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,710
Median household income: $57,537
Philadelphia, PA homes for sale
Philadelphia, PA apartments for rent
“The City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia, PA, is the third city on our list of most affordable places to live on the East Coast. Philadelphia has a median home sale price of $234,700 and a population of 1.5 million, so you’ll definitely be living the city life. With its rich history, Philadelphia has plenty of landmarks to explore. Make sure to check out the food stalls at Reading Terminal Market, see the Liberty Bell, stop by Independence Hall, and catch a performance at “America’s Oldest Theatre,” Walnut Street Theatre.
4. Greensboro, NC
Median home price: $271,500
Average sale price per square foot: $163
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,016
Median household income: $55,051
Greensboro, NC homes for sale
Greensboro, NC apartments for rent
Fourth place is Greensboro, NC, where the median home sales prices are about $271,500. Greensboro has about 285,300 residents, and you may want to move to this city for plenty of reasons. In Greensboro, you can check out museums like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, the Blandwood Museum, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum. You can also enjoy the views at the Greensboro Arboretum, explore the eclectic shops and restaurants in historic Downtown Greensboro, or catch a live performance at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
5. Jacksonville, FL
Median home price: $308,900
Average sale price per square foot: $184
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,442
Median household income: $64,138
Jacksonville, FL homes for sale
Jacksonville, FL apartments for rent
Heading to Florida, the next city on our list is Jacksonville. This Atlantic Coast city has a median home sale price of $308,900 and a population of about 903,900. Jacksonville is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Make sure to enjoy a beach day at Jacksonville Beach, explore the natural beauty of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, or experience the vibrant dining and entertainment scene at the Jacksonville Landing.
6. Richmond, VA
Median home price: $350,000
Average sale price per square foot: $217
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,485
Median household income: $59,606
Richmond, VA homes for sale
Richmond, VA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $350,000, Richmond, VA, is the next most affordable place to live on the East Coast. This city has a population of 228,800 and is known for its historic landmarks, beautiful parks, and vibrant culinary scene. Richmond has plenty of things to do, whether you’re immersing yourself in history at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, enjoying outdoor recreation at Belle Isle or Maymont Park, exploring the charming Carytown district with its unique shops and eateries, or experiencing the vibrant arts and culture scene at the Richmond Folk Festival.
7. Virginia Beach, VA
Median home price: $358,000
Average sale price per square foot: $215
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,468
Median household income: $87,544
Virginia Beach, VA homes for sale
Virginia Beach, VA apartments for rent
Seventh is Virginia Beach, VA, with a median home sale price of $358,000 and a population of about 450,100. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and maritime history. Virginia Beach has many attractions like the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, lined with shops and restaurants, and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Charlotte, NC
Median home price: $389,000
Average sale price per square foot: $233
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,491
Median household income: $74,070
Charlotte, NC homes for sale
Charlotte, NC apartments for rent
Another vibrant East Coast city to consider moving to is Charlotte, NC. The city has about 872,500 residents and a vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, and diverse culinary offerings. There are many landmarks to check out in Charlotte, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the historic NoDa district.
9. Orlando, FL
Median home price: $394,950
Average sale price per square foot: $231
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,746
Median household income: $66,292
Orlando, FL homes for sale
Orlando, FL apartments for rent
Famous for its amusement parks – Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL, has a median home sale price of $394,950. With about 285,700 residents, this central Florida city is a great area to call home if you’re looking for affordability and access to entertainment. For example, you can discover the marine life at SeaWorld Orlando, explore the dining and entertainment options along International Drive, or spend time outside at one of the many beautiful lakes.
10. Raleigh, NC
Median home price: $400,000
Average sale price per square foot: $222
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,376
Median household income: $78,631
Raleigh, NC homes for sale
Raleigh, NC apartments for rent
The final city on our list of most affordable places to live on the East Coast is Raleigh, NC. The area has a median home sale price of $400,000 and about 469,300 residents. As the capital of North Carolina, there are lots of historic places, attractions, and landmarks to see. In Raleigh, be sure to discover the history at the North Carolina Museum of History, enjoy outdoor recreation at William B. Umstead State Park, explore the vibrant arts scene in the Warehouse District, or experience the local offerings at the Raleigh Farmers Market.
Methodology: Analyzed the 50 most populous metros on the East Coast and have a median home sale price at or below $400,000. 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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