The East Coast is known for its diverse culture, historic landmarks, and bustling metropolises. new york city and boston, a beautiful coastline dotted with charming seaside towns and pristine beaches. From the vibrant energy of city life to tranquil retreats along the coast, 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 looking to move to the East Coast on a budget, we can help. Redfin has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable places to live along the East Coast to help you find a city that fits both your budget and lifestyle goals. Check which cities are on the list.
1. Baltimore, Maryland
Median home price: $200,000
Average sales price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,475
Median household income: $58,349
Homes for Sale in Baltimore, Maryland
Apartments for Rent in Baltimore, Maryland
First on our list of the most affordable cities to live on the East Coast is Baltimore, Maryland. With a median home sale price of $200,000, this is a great area to call home. Baltimore has a population of approximately 602,500 people, so you can get a big-city feel without the price tag. There’s plenty to do in Baltimore, including exploring the downtown area with its museums, shops, and iconic Lexington Market, taking in the views from Inner Harbor, and checking out historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Cathedral . .
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Median home price: $217,950
Average sales price per square foot: $157
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,375
Median household income: $60,187
Homes for Sale in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apartments for Rent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Next on the list is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the median home sale price is $217,950. Philadelphia is home to approximately 302,900 residents and is known for Gilded Age landmarks such as the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Stroll through the Market Square and Fourth Avenue Historic District, which dates back to 1764, and enjoy the beautiful views from Point State Park.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Median home price: $234,700
Average sales price per square foot: $191
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,710
Median household income: $57,537
Homes for Sale in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Apartments for Rent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the “City of Brotherly Love,” is number three on our list of the most affordable cities to live on the East Coast. Philadelphia has a median home sale price of $234,700 and a population of 1.5 million people, so you can definitely live the city life. With a rich history, Philadelphia has many landmarks to explore. Check out the food stalls at Reading Terminal Market, admire the Liberty Bell, stop by Independence Hall, and catch a performance at Walnut Street Theatre, dubbed “America’s Oldest Theatre.”
4. Greensboro, North Carolina
Median home price: $271,500
Average sales price per square foot: $163
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,016
Median household income: $55,051
Greensboro, North Carolina homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Greensboro, North Carolina
In fourth place is Greensboro, North Carolina, with a median home sale price of about $271,500. Greensboro is home to approximately 285,300 residents, and you may want to move to the city for a variety of reasons. Visit museums in Greensboro, including the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, Blandwood Museum, and Weatherspoon Museum of Art. 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, Florida
Median home price: $308,900
Average selling price per square foot: $184
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,442
Median household income: $64,138
Jacksonville, Florida homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Jacksonville, Florida
Heading to Florida, the next city on the list is Jacksonville. This Atlantic coast city has a median home sale price of $308,900 and a population of approximately 903,900. Jacksonville is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Enjoy a day on the beach at Jacksonville Beach, explore the natural beauty of Cummer Museum and Gardens, stroll the scenic Riverwalk, or experience the vibrant dining and entertainment scene at Jacksonville Landing. please.
6. Richmond, Virginia
Median home price: $350,000
Average selling price per square foot: $217
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,485
Median household income: $59,606
Richmond, VA homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Richmond, Virginia
With a median home sale price of $350,000, Richmond, Virginia is your next affordable place to live on the East Coast. The city has a population of 228,800 and is known for its historic buildings, beautiful parks, and vibrant food scene. In Richmond, soak up history at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, enjoy outdoor recreation at Belle Isle and Maymont Park, explore the charming Carytown neighborhood filled with unique shops and eateries, and experience a vibrant cityscape. , there’s a lot to do. Richmond Folk Festival arts and culture scene.
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Median home price: $358,000
Average sales price per square foot: $215
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,468
Median household income: $87,544
Virginia Beach, VA homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Virginia Beach, VA
In seventh place is Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a median home sale price of $358,000 and a population of approximately 450,100. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and maritime history. Virginia Beach is home to many attractions, including the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants, and the Back His Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

8. Charlotte, North Carolina
Median home price: $389,000
Average selling price per square foot: $233
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,491
Median household income: $74,070
Charlotte, North Carolina homes for sale
Apartments for Rent in Charlotte, North Carolina
Another vibrant East Coast city to consider moving to is Charlotte, North Carolina. The city is home to approximately 872,500 residents, a vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, and a diverse culinary scene. Charlotte has a lot to offer, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, National Whitewater Center, Levine Museum of the New South, and the historic NoDa District.
9. Orlando, Florida
Median home price: $394,950
Average selling price per square foot: $231
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,746
Median household income: $66,292
Orlando, Florida homes for sale
Apartments for rent in Orlando, Florida
Amusement parks – Orlando, Florida, famous for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, has a median home sale price of $394,950. With a population of approximately 285,700 people, this central Florida city is a great area to call home if you’re looking for access to entertainment at an affordable price. For example, you can observe marine life at SeaWorld Orlando, explore dining and entertainment options along International Drive, or spend time outdoors at one of his many beautiful lakes.
10. Raleigh, North Carolina
Median home price: $400,000
Average selling price per square foot: $222
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,376
Median household income: $78,631
Homes for Sale in Raleigh, North Carolina
Apartments for rent in Raleigh, North Carolina
The last city on our list of the most affordable places to live on the East Coast is Raleigh, North Carolina. The median home sale price in this area is $400,000 and there are approximately 469,300 residents. As the capital of North Carolina, it is home to many historic sites, tourist attractions, and landmarks. In Raleigh, discover 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 sample local gourmet food at Raleigh Farmers’ Market. Please experience it.
methodology: It analyzed the 50 most populous metropolitan cities on the East Coast, where the median home sales price was less than $400,000. 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.