Quick answer
By lowest median home value, the top five are West Virginia ($142,500), New Mexico ($202,650), Nebraska ($214,600), Kentucky ($221,400), Louisiana ($223,050). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
| # | State | Median home value | Home value | Rent | Growth | Places to research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $142,500 | $142,500 | $863 | +0.3% | Morgantown, Charleston, Wheeling |
| 2 | New Mexico | $202,650 | $202,650 | $1,039 | +0.5% | Rio Rancho, Carlsbad, Santa Fe |
| 3 | Nebraska | $214,600 | $214,600 | $964 | +0.2% | Bellevue, Papillion, Columbus |
| 4 | Kentucky | $221,400 | $221,400 | $1,049 | +0.6% | Independence, Georgetown, Florence |
| 5 | Louisiana | $223,050 | $223,050 | $1,094 | +0.6% | Prairieville, Central, Slidell |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $228,550 | $228,550 | $1,242 | +2.0% | Yukon, Jenks, Bixby |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $229,250 | $229,250 | $1,207 | +0.6% | Murrysville, Plum, King of Prussia |
| 8 | South Dakota | $243,600 | $243,600 | $904 | +1.8% | Sioux Falls, Watertown, Aberdeen |
| 9 | Arkansas | $248,500 | $248,500 | $1,007 | +2.0% | Centerton, Bryant, Bentonville |
| 10 | Wyoming | $257,200 | $257,200 | $943 | +0.5% | Cheyenne, Gillette, Casper |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Best States If You Want Lower Housing Costs
By lowest median home value, the top five are West Virginia ($142,500), New Mexico ($202,650), Nebraska ($214,600), Kentucky ($221,400), Louisiana ($223,050). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
