In many cities across the country, people are putting more than a third of their income toward housing, which is above what finance experts generally recommend.While the expenses that come with large cities won’t be going away anytime soon, there is a way to achieve city living on a smaller budget. Some small- to mid-size cities offer all the benefits of urban life at a fraction of the price.
These cities turned out to be the 5 top options to move to if you want to save money.
1. Kansas City, MO-KS
Real per capita personal income: $53,984
Median housing costs as a percentage of household income: 19.2%
Historical unemployment rate: Below average
Median home price: $201,600
Fair market rent for a two-bedroom: $978
2. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Score: 89.83
Real per capita personal income: $56,678
Median housing costs as a percentage of household income: 18.7%
Historical unemployment rate: Below average
Median home price: $182,045
Fair market rent for a two-bedroom: $865
3. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
Score: 89.89
Real per capita personal income: $51,161
Median housing costs as a percentage of household income: 17.7%
Historical unemployment rate: Below average
Median home price: $215,184
Fair market rent for a two-bedroom: $962
4. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Score: 90.07
Real per capita personal income: $56,886
Median housing costs as a percentage of household income: 19.2%
Historical unemployment rate: Significantly below average
Median home price: $289,170
Fair market rent for a two-bedroom: $1,214
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Score: 92.84
Real per capita personal income: $58,117
Median housing costs as a percentage of household income: 17.6%
Historical unemployment rate: Below average
Median home price: $156,026
Fair market rent for a two-bedroom: $890