The Midwest is known for its charm, rich history, strong sense of community, and thriving cities such as: Chicago and minneapolis, and beautiful rivers, lakes, and green forests. It’s no wonder so many people love living in the vibrant Midwest region. If you’re considering moving to the Midwest and want to stay on budget, we can help.
Redfin has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable places to live in the Midwest to help you find the perfect city to fit your budget and lifestyle. Read on to see which cities made the list.
1. Detroit, Michigan
Median home price: $75,000
Average selling price per square foot: $67
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,782
Median household income: $37,761
Homes for Sale in Detroit, Michigan
Apartments for rent in Detroit, Michigan
First on our list of the most affordable places to live in the Midwest is Detroit, Michigan. “Motor City” Detroit is known for its automotive history as the birthplace of Motown Records and as the home of sports teams such as the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. The median home sale price in Detroit is $75,000 and the population is 713,700. Popular sights in Detroit include Detroit Institute of Arts, Belle Isle Park, and Motown Museum.
2. Toledo, Ohio
Median home price: $95,000
Average selling price per square foot: $80
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $764
Median household income: $45,405
Toledo, Ohio homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Toledo, Ohio
The second city on the list is Toledo, Ohio. He is an attractive city with a median home sale price of $95,000. Located on Lake Erie, Toledo is home to approximately 287,200 residents. Toledo is known for its history in the glass industry. Libby Glass, that’s what this city is often called “Glass City” There’s plenty to do in Toledo, including visiting the Toledo Museum of Art, exploring the Toledo Zoo, and strolling through Toledo Park along the Maumee River.
3. Cleveland, Ohio
Median home price: $102,500
Average selling price per square foot: $71
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,525
Median household income: $37,271
Cleveland, OH homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Cleveland, Ohio
The median home sale price is $102,500; cleveland ohio, Next is next. The city has a population of 396,800 and is located on the shores of Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio. Cleveland is a great area to consider moving to because it’s affordable and has a lot to do. For example, you can find out: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Be sure to stop by West Side Market, a public market established in 1912. There are stalls selling a variety of local foods.
4. Akron, Ohio
Median home price: $118,000
Average selling price per square foot: $89
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $830
Median household income: $46,596
Akron, Ohio homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Akron, Ohio
Another Ohio city on the list is Akron, where the median home sale price is $118,000. Home to 199,100 residents, Akron has a welcoming community feel. In Akron, check out exhibits at the Akron Museum of Art, explore his 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park with its hiking trails, natural views, and waterfalls, or take a tour of Stan’s High Wet Hole & Gardens. can. , Historic House Museum.

5. Peoria, Illinois
Median home price: $122,900
Average selling price per square foot: $77
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,010
Median household income: $58,068
Peoria, IL homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Peoria, Illinois
The fifth city on our list of the most affordable cities to live in the Midwest is Peoria, Illinois. Located along the Illinois River, Peoria is a beautiful city with a median home sale price of $122,900. The city has a population of 115,000 and is known for attractions such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Donovan Park, and Grand View Drive, a scenic drive-thru with great views of the river and surrounding area.
6. Dayton, Ohio
Median home price: $130,000
Average selling price per square foot: $84
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $849
Median household income: $41,443
Dayton, OH homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Dayton, Ohio
The last Ohio city on our list is Dayton, a vibrant city with a median home sale price of $130,000. The city has a population of 141,500 people. Attractions include the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which features a variety of aircraft, Carillon Historical Park, which features the Wright Brothers’ airplanes, and the Dayton Museum of Art, which features a variety of artworks.
7. South Bend, Indiana
Median home price: $135,000
Average selling price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $987
Median household income: $49,056
South Bend, Indiana homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in South Bend, Indiana
In seventh place is South Bend, Indiana, an attractive city with a median home sale price of $135,000. South Bend is home to approximately 101,200 residents. The city is located on the St. Joseph River and is best known as the home of the University of Notre Dame. Also be sure to visit the Studebaker National Museum, which features a variety of vintage cars, check out some of the historic homes including the Oliver Mansion, Birdsell Mansion, and Kaiser House, and stroll through Pinhook Park along the river.

8. Lansing, Michigan
Median home price: $135,900
Average selling price per square foot: $102
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $932
Median household income: $50,747
Homes for Sale in Lansing, Michigan
Apartments for Rent in Lansing, Michigan
Michigan’s capital city of Lansing is number 8 on the list. With a median home sale price of $135,900 in Lansing, residents have plenty of affordable options. In Lansing, See exhibits at the Michigan State Capitol See animals at RE Olds Transportation Museum and Impression 5 Science Center Visit Potter Park Zoo or take a scenic riverboat cruise.
9. Rockford, Illinois
Median home price: $142,450
Average selling price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,039
Median household income: $50,744
Rockford, IL homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Rockford, IL
Northern Illinois is home to the following cities: Rockford. There are many reasons to consider moving to this affordable area of approximately 152,800 people. Rockford’s attractions include Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, as well as a charming downtown with local shops and restaurants and views of the Rock River.
10. Springfield, Missouri
Median home price: $143,000
Average selling price per square foot: $65
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $769
Median household income: $43,450
Homes for Sale in Springfield, Missouri
Apartments for Rent in Springfield, Missouri
Last on our list of the most affordable places to live in the Midwest is Springfield, Missouri. This vibrant city has a median home sale price of $143,000 and a population of approximately 159,500. Springfield’s attractions include the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park with gorgeous botanical gardens, picnic areas, and a lake, and Pythian Castle.
methodology: According to the U.S. Census, all cities must have more than 100,000 residents and a median home sales price below the average median list price for each state. Median home sales price and median sales price per square foot from Redfin data centers during February 2024. Rental.com February 2024. Median population and household income data are United States Census Bureau.