The cities worth considering depend on what you need from a move
There is no single "best" city to move to in 2024 — the right place depends on whether you are chasing lower housing costs, job growth in your field, a specific climate, or proximity to family. What matters is matching your priorities to what a city actually offers right now, not what it offered two years ago or what real estate marketing claims about it.
This guide covers cities where housing remains more affordable than coastal metros, where job markets are active in common fields, and where the cost of living has not yet caught up to the influx of remote workers. It also names the trade-offs: a city with cheap rent might have limited public transit, or strong job growth might mean rising prices are already underway.
Key Takeaways
- Cities in the South and Midwest still offer lower home prices and rents than coastal areas, though prices are rising faster in some than others.
- Job growth varies sharply by city and industry — tech hubs differ from healthcare centers, which differ from manufacturing towns rebounding with new investment.
- A city cheap today may not be cheap in two years; research recent price trends, not just current prices, to understand the direction of the market.
- Before moving, verify that your specific job field has actual openings in that city, not just general economic growth.
- Visit for a week if possible, or talk to people who moved there recently, to understand daily life beyond the statistics.
Southern cities with lower housing costs and active job markets
Austin, Texas has been the poster child for remote-worker relocation, which means housing costs have risen sharply — a median home price in the $500,000 range is no longer the bargain it was five years ago. However, the job market remains strong in tech, healthcare, and creative fields, and the city still costs less than San Francisco or New York. Rents have stabilized somewhat after years of rapid growth.
Nashville, Tennessee and Charlotte, North Carolina both offer lower housing costs than Austin, stronger rent stability, and growing job markets in healthcare, finance, and tech. Nashville's music and entertainment industry creates opportunities outside traditional corporate roles. Charlotte is a major banking hub. Both cities have seen population growth but have not yet experienced the price acceleration of Austin.
Raleigh, North Carolina (part of the Research Triangle with Durham and Chapel Hill) has a strong tech and biotech job market, lower housing costs than Charlotte, and a younger demographic. The trade-off is that it is smaller and has less public transit than larger Southern cities.
Jacksonville, Florida offers significantly lower housing costs than Miami or Tampa, a growing job market in healthcare and logistics, and no state income tax. The climate is warm year-round, which appeals to some and repels others. The city is less developed than larger Florida metros, which means fewer restaurants and cultural amenities but also lower prices.
Midwest cities with affordable housing and stable job markets
Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas has emerged as a relocation destination for remote workers and companies seeking lower costs. Housing remains affordable, the job market is steady across healthcare, tech, and manufacturing, and the cost of living is genuinely low. The city has invested in downtown revitalization and has a growing food and arts scene. Winter weather is a real factor — snow and ice are common from December through February.
Indianapolis, Indiana offers similar affordability to Kansas City with a strong healthcare and manufacturing job market. It is a hub for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Housing costs are among the lowest in the country for a city of its size. Public transit is limited compared to coastal cities.
Columbus, Ohio has a diversified job market (tech, healthcare, finance, education) and housing costs well below national averages. The city has a large university presence, which creates a younger demographic and cultural activity. Winter weather is moderate compared to northern Midwest cities.
Des Moines, Iowa is smaller than the others listed here but offers extremely low housing costs, a stable job market in insurance and agriculture, and a low cost of living overall. It appeals to people seeking a smaller-city feel with lower prices, though job options in specialized fields may be limited.
Mountain West cities with outdoor access and moderate growth
Denver, Colorado has experienced rapid growth and rising housing costs, but the job market remains strong in tech, energy, and healthcare. The city offers outdoor recreation, a younger demographic, and no state income tax on retirement income (though regular income is taxed). Housing prices have risen significantly, so it is no longer a budget option compared to coastal cities, but it remains cheaper than San Francisco or Seattle.
Boise, Idaho has seen rapid population growth and rising prices, but housing still costs less than Denver or most coastal metros. The job market is growing in tech and healthcare. The city offers outdoor recreation and a lower cost of living outside housing. The trade-off is that it is smaller and more remote than larger metros, which limits job options in specialized fields.
Albuquerque, New Mexico offers low housing costs, a growing job market in tech and healthcare, and a unique cultural identity. The city is smaller and less developed than Denver or Boise, which means fewer amenities but also lower prices. The climate is dry and sunny year-round.
What to research before you move
Price trends matter more than current prices. A city with cheap rent today might be in the middle of rapid growth that will double prices in three years. Look at median rent or home price changes over the past two to three years, not just the current number. If prices are rising faster than 5 to 7 percent per year, you are moving into a market that is already heating up.
Job openings in your specific field are not may provide by general economic growth. A city with strong overall job growth might have no openings for accountants or software engineers or nurses in your specialty. Search job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor) for your exact role in that city before you commit. Talk to people in your field who already live there.
Visit if you can, or spend time in online communities for that city. A week on the ground will tell you more about daily life, commute times, neighborhood feel, and whether the city actually suits you than any article will. Reddit communities for specific cities are often honest about trade-offs and common complaints.
State and local taxes vary significantly. Some states have no income tax (Texas, Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington) but higher property taxes or sales taxes. Others tax income but have lower property taxes. Calculate your total tax burden, not just income tax, before deciding.
Cities to approach with caution in 2024
Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada have experienced explosive growth and rising housing costs. While prices are still lower than coastal cities, they are rising faster than incomes, and the job market is less diversified than larger metros. Both cities face water scarcity concerns that may affect long-term sustainability.
Miami, Florida and Tampa, Florida have seen rapid price increases driven by remote workers and retirees. Housing costs have risen sharply, and while the job market is active, it is increasingly competitive. The cost of living is no longer the bargain it was five years ago.
Austin, as mentioned, has already experienced the remote-worker boom and price acceleration. It remains a strong job market, but it is no longer a low-cost option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city to move to right now?
Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Kansas City consistently rank lowest for housing costs and overall cost of living. However, "cheapest" changes based on your specific needs — a city cheap for renters might be expensive for homebuyers, or vice versa. Research the specific category that matters to you.
Should I move to a city just because it has low housing costs?
No. Low costs matter only if you can find work there or if you are retired. Before moving, verify that your job field has actual openings and that the salary range matches what you earn now. A low cost of living with no income is worse than a high cost of living with a good job.
How do I know if a city's prices are about to rise?
Look at recent price trends (past two to three years), new business announcements, and population growth rates. If a city is growing faster than 3 to 4 percent per year and prices are rising faster than 7 percent per year, you are likely moving into a market that is already accelerating. Talk to people who moved there one to two years ago about what has changed.
Do I need to visit a city before moving there?
A visit is not required, but it is valuable. A week on the ground will show you commute times, neighborhood feel, weather reality, and whether daily life matches what you expected. If you cannot visit, spend time in that city's online communities and talk to people who moved there recently.
What if I move to a city and hate it?
Most people who move regret it within the first year if the move was not right. Before signing a lease, rent short-term (Airbnb, corporate housing) for a month if possible. This costs more upfront but is cheaper than moving twice. If you do move and it is wrong, you can move again — there is no penalty for changing your mind, only the cost of moving.