The Most Affordable Major City in America is an Overlooked Midwest Gem Surpassing Coastal Giants

It’s hardly surprising that major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York are some of the most expensive places to live in the United States. These iconic metropolises, located on the West and East Coast respectively, offer world class attractions and are deeply woven into the country’s identity and cultural landscape. However, when it comes to affordability there’s an unsung city in the Midwest that won’t break the bank: Cleveland, Ohio. According to a report by GOBankingRates, published in June 2025, homeowners in Cleveland require an annual income of only $60,720 to live comfortably. As such, it’s the most budget-friendly big city in the country. For comparison, this comfortability figure is a whopping $326,645 for the city of Irvine in Orange County, California. 

Ohio’s second-most populous city has long had a reputation for being economical . In fact, BestPlaces states that the cost of living in The Forest City (as it’s nicknamed) is 17% lower than the national average. Additionally, Cleveland has been lauded as one of the most inexpensive cities in the country to buy a home. Indeed, homeownership may seem unattainable to a majority of Americans, but in Cleveland, this dream has the potential to become a reality. At the time of this writing, Redfin cites the median sales price of a home as $140,000.

There’s no doubt that Cleveland is worthy of wider recognition; it’s not an overstatement to describe this city that’s situated on Lake Erie as compelling. Cleveland is considered to be one of the most underrated foodie destinations in America and has one of the best Little Italy neighborhoods. For visitors and locals alike, there’s much to discover without having to burden your wallets.

Cleveland may be a destination that’s oftentimes overlooked, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t humming with activity. Plus, most things require little-to-no money to enjoy. Take, for instance, the Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle. This expansive site was established in 1913 and is one of the best free museums in America. It features ever-changing exhibits displaying everything from photography to centuries-old sculptures and art pieces. Likewise, their permanent collection includes works by artists like Claude Monet and Peter Paul Rubens. The Cleveland Museum of Art is closed Mondays, and parking is available for a fee.

You’ll also find the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa) in University Circle. This institution is free, but only for Ohio residents. If you’re not local to the Buckeye State, admission is only $10 at the time of this writing. Have kids? Individuals who are 18-years-old and younger are granted free entry as well. Exhibits at moCa change every few months, with one reviewer on Google explaining, “I have never been disappointed, and have always found I connect deeply with at least one artist each show.” Typically open Thursday to Sunday, moCa does temporarily close to rotate their exhibits, so be sure to check before visiting.

If you’re a nature lover, you might be inclined to include the Cleveland Botanical Garden in your itinerary. Before setting your sights on this destination, know that there is a cheaper alternative: Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse. Unlike the Cleveland Botanical Garden, this attraction is free to visit and is brimming with orchids, cacti, and more. Furthermore, Rockefeller Park is known for the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Here, you can stroll through various sites representing Italy, Syria, and other countries whose people have made a home in this Midwestern city.