These Are America’s Most (And Least) Affordable Cities

Key Takeaways:

• Tupelo, Mississippi tops the affordability list at 21% below the U.S. average
• Oklahoma boasts three of the nation’s ten most affordable cities
• Oklahoma City’s median home price sits at $225,167
• Manhattan’s living costs are twice the national average
• Honolulu records grocery prices 32% above the U.S. average

America’s Affordability Landscape

When comparing living costs from coast to coast, one city emerges as a clear leader in affordability: Tupelo, Mississippi, where a dollar stretches 21% further than the national average. This finding underscores how location shapes a household’s daily expenses and overall economic well-being.

Tupelo: The Most Affordable City

Tupelo’s cost of living sets it apart from larger metropolitan regions. It leads the list based on data measuring 61 essential items, including groceries and housing, in the second quarter of 2025. The city’s smaller population and more affordable housing structure may contribute to its lower prices.

Southern Comfort: Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas

Oklahoma claims a notable portion of the top ten most affordable cities, reflecting a pattern of relatively low home prices and lower costs for goods and services. According to recent data, the median home sale price in Oklahoma City is $225,167, and over half of homes sold in August closed below the listing price—an impressive figure when gauging affordability. Meanwhile, McAllen, Texas ranks among the most budget-friendly for groceries, solidifying the South’s strong showing on this list.

Where Costs Climb Sky-High

On the other end of the spectrum, Manhattan stands out with living expenses that exceed twice the U.S. average, beating even San Francisco by 72%. Neighboring boroughs such as Brooklyn and Queens also face cost pressures, particularly after the pandemic drew buyers away from pricier Manhattan neighborhoods. Honolulu emerges as another high-cost outlier, recording grocery prices 32% above the national average—13% higher than in Manhattan.

The Significance of Housing and Groceries

Two factors repeatedly surface as driving forces behind affordability: housing and basic necessities. Cities like Oklahoma City illustrate that relatively modest median home prices result in a broad cost-of-living benefit, while Honolulu’s reliance on imported goods helps push its grocery index well above the national benchmark.

A Continuing Divide

These distinctions underscore the vast differences in cost of living across America. While some Midwestern and Southern cities maintain their reputation for wallet-friendly lifestyles, coastal hubs remain universally acknowledged for higher prices. As more Americans weigh work flexibility and shifting priorities, the disparity between the country’s most affordable and least affordable cities could influence where people choose to call home.