Looking for an affordable place to move? These 15 cities are booming but won’t break your budget

As Americans seek affordability and better opportunities, a new study has identified 50 cities that are both growing rapidly and remaining affordable.

GoBankingRates used U.S. Census data to find cities with booming population growth and rental or mortgage rates below the national average.

According to the Census Bureau, more Americans are moving away from downtown areas than before the COVID-19 pandemic. The fastest-growing cities across the country were located as far as 60-plus miles from large metro areas in 2023, compared to 2019, before the pandemic hit. Many of these fastest-growing cities are located in the South and Midwest.

According to the study, Texas is home to the most affordable and fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Lone Star State dominated the top 50 with 12 cities.

Frisco, Texas, took the top spot with an estimated population increase of 26.9% over the next five years. The annual cost of living in the city is $46,718 for renters and $72,262 for homeowners.

Here’s a look at 15 cities that made the list:

1. Frisco, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 26.9%
  • 1-year population growth: 4%
  • Median household income: $146,158
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $46,718
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $72,262
  • Average home value: $678,435

2. Goodyear, Arizona

  • 5-year population growth: 32.8%
  • 1-year population growth: 5.5%
  • Median household income: $101,814
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $49,011
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $58,494
  • Average home value: $478,276

3. McKinney, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 16.6%
  • 1-year population growth: 3.1%
  • Median household income: $120,273
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $45,023
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $58,907
  • Average home value: $512,667

4. Fishers, Indiana

  • 5-year population growth: 13.8%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.9%
  • Median household income: $128,141
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $46,989
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $54,414
  • Average home value: $438,966

5. Allen, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 8.5%
  • 1-year population growth: 2.1%
  • Median household income: $129,130
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $44,456
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $58,678
  • Average home value: $514,490

6. Carmel, Indiana

  • 5-year population growth: 11.5%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.1%
  • Median household income: $134,602
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $46,507
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $62,126
  • Average home value: $553,141

7. League City, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 13.9%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.3%
  • Median household income: $119,870
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $44,264
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $47,459
  • Average home value: $369,058

8. Lewisville, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 22.5%
  • 1-year population growth: 2.6%
  • Median household income: $85,002
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $43,995
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $53,007
  • Average home value: $404,946

9. Olathe, Kansas

  • 5-year population growth: 5.7%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.1%
  • Median household income: $112,232
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $45,070
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $51,825
  • Average home value: $401,785

10. Round Rock, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 3.4%
  • 1-year population growth: 3.2%
  • Median household income: $97,187
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $42,390
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $52,364
  • Average home value: $433,767

11. Pearland, Texas

  • 5-year population growth: 6.9%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.2%
  • Median household income: $112,470
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $51,032
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $54,241
  • Average home value: $376,350

12. Nampa, Idaho

  • 5-year population growth: 16%
  • 1-year population growth: 3.6%
  • Median household income: $72,122
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $40,684
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $50,656
  • Average home value: $404,082

13. Murfreesboro, Tennessee

  • 5-year population growth: 20.3%
  • 1-year population growth: 2.7%
  • Median household income: $76,241
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $45,275
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $52,728
  • Average home value: $410,857

14. Peoria, Arizona

  • 5-year population growth: 18.1%
  • 1-year population growth: 1.6%
  • Median household income: $93,403
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $50,490
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $61,963
  • Average home value: $495,587

15. Rio Rancho, New Mexico

  • 5-year population growth: 12.2%
  • 1-year population growth: 2.1%
  • Median household income: $85,755
  • Total cost of living for renter annually: $45,823
  • Total cost of living for homeowner annually: $47,207
  • Average home value: $348,895

Did any Alabama city make the list?

Huntsville is Alabama’s most affordable and fastest-growing city, ranked 28th by GoBankingRates. Its population is expected to grow by 13% by 2030. The median household income is $70,778, above the state average of $62,027. Renters have an average cost of living of $40,409, while homeowners pay around $42,970. The average home value is $272,010.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.