15 US Cities Where High Salaries Meet Affordable Housing

If you want a new place to live and work in the US, this list of 15 cities will interest you. These cities offer both well-paying jobs and affordable housing. They have low unemployment rates and reasonable home values and rents.

Wichita, Kansas

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Wichita stands as Kansas’s largest city, thriving in aviation and manufacturing. Its economy grows yearly, fueled by aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture. The city boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Old Cowtown Museum and the Wichita Art Museum are some of its primary attractions.

  • Average rent per month: $763
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.4%

Evansville, Indiana

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Evansville is known for its stable and diverse economy. It is a cultural and commercial hub in the tri-state area of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. The city has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The Victory Theatre and the Ford Center are popular venues.

  • Average rent per month per month: $766
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.7%

Springfield, Missouri

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The third-largest city in Missouri and the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield has a dynamic and diverse economy. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism lead the job industry as the city offers reasonable housing.

  • Average rent per month: $795
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.3%

Des Moines, Iowa

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The city of Des Moines, Iowa, is a major hub of business and politics. The finance, insurance, and healthcare sectors help the city’s diverse economy thrive. It also boasts a vibrant and cosmopolitan culture. Des Moines is famous for events like the Des Moines Arts Festival and the 80/35 Music Festival.

  • Average rent per month: $940
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.5%

Omaha, Nebraska

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Omaha is Nebraska’s biggest city and home to many Fortune 500 companies. The unemployment rate is low in the city. Moreover, Omaha boasts of a vibrant culture and affordable cost of living. Some highlights include the College World Series, the Omaha Film Festival, and the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.

  • Average rent per month: $999
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.4%

Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Spartanburg is the second-largest city in the Upstate region of South Carolina. It is a major center of business and industry, with high-growth sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. The city also has a rich historical and cultural heritage.

  • Average rent per month per month: $1,061
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 3.0%

Birmingham, Alabama

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Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama and a major economic hub in the Southeast. Banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors make up the growing economy of Birmingham. With the average rent less than $1200, the city is affordable to live as well.

  • Average rent per month per month: $1,117 
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.4%

Provo, Utah

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Provo is Utah’s third-largest city and houses Brigham Young University. Its economy thrives on technology, education, healthcare, and retail. The city is set in stunning scenery. Key attractions include Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls, and Utah Lake.

  • Average rent per month: $1,159
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.4%

Knoxville, Tennessee

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Knoxville is Tennessee’s third-largest city and leads to the Great Smoky Mountains. Its economy is dynamic and diverse, covering technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. It also has a tradition rich in history. Places like the Knoxville Museum of Art or the Market Square grab the tourists’ attention.

  • Average rent per month: $1,232
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.8%

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado and a popular tourist destination. Sectors such as defense, aerospace, and education contribute to the growing economy of the city. It also has a beautiful and scenic setting all across the city.

  • Average rent per month: $1,300
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 3.3%

Boise, Idaho

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The largest city in Idaho state, Boise is also a hub of culture and commerce. It has a resilient and diverse economy. Major revenue-generating sectors include technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The general atmosphere of the neighborhoods is lively and friendly. Popular events at Boise are the Boise Music Festival and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

  • Average rent per month: $1,343
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 3.0%

Raleigh, North Carolina

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Raleigh is North Carolina’s second-largest city with a vibrant, innovative economy. It’s part of the Research Triangle, focusing on technology, education, and healthcare. The city offers rich culture and recreation, with many tourist attractions.

  • Average rent per month: $1,347
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.9%

Reno, Nevada

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Reno is known as the “Biggest Little City in the World.” Its economy is booming with technology, gaming, tourism, and logistics. The city’s culture is vibrant and eclectic. Events like the Reno Rodeo and the Burning Man Festival are the major highlights here.

  • Average rent per month per month: $1,348
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 3.9%

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital and biggest city, home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It boasts a lively culture and diverse economy. Major industries include technology, finance, and tourism. Events like the Sundance Film Festival, Utah Pride Festival, and Salt Lake City Marathon shape the city’s culture.

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  • Average rent per month: $1,374
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.5%

Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, attracts many tourists. It also enjoys a thriving, diverse economy. Key industries include tourism, manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics. Attractions like the Savannah Historic District, Forsyth Park, and Bonaventure Cemetery add to its historic charm.

  • Average rent per month: $1,497
  • December, 2023 unemployment rate: 2.5%
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