An Illinois city is the No. 1 best affordable place to live in US, report says
Two Illinois cities are among the 25 best affordable places to live, U.S. News & World Report says, and one took first place.
“The 25 Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026” analysis, published June 10, put Decatur in the No. 1 spot. Springfield landed in fourth, and three Missouri cities also made the list.
To compile its ranking of affordable cities, U.S. News & World Report compared median household income with housing costs and cost of living.
“Affordable living is one of the greatest benefits of Decatur and we take great pride in topping this list of affordable cities,” Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat. “Decatur is a great place to live for young families, working professionals, retirees, remote workers, and anyone looking for low cost of living in a high-quality community. Even as home values are trending up, people are amazed at the prices here, and those who aren’t ready to purchase are loving our very affordable rental options as well.”
U.S. News’ analysis reported Decatur’s median rent is $570, considerably lower than the state’s median rent of $1,097. The city stood out for its low cost of living and affordable housing, the analysis said.
In addition to its below-average rent costs, Decatur’s average home value is also less expensive than the statewide average. Popular real estate site Zillow reports Decatur’s average home value is $99,441, up 6.7% year-to-year, yet much more affordable than Illinois’ average of $279,761.
Along with its relative affordability, U.S. News also recognized the city for its attractions and things to do.
“Noteworthy events shaped Decatur’s heritage including Abraham Lincoln’s residency, the founding of the Chicago Bears and the industry-bolstering construction of Lake Decatur,” the U.S. News article read. “Today, residents can rediscover the city’s past through self-guided tours with maps of historic sites, antique stores and a caffeine trail that charts the area’s coffee shops.”
One popular Decatur destination is the Children’s Museum of Illinois, which features exhibits like a water table, automotive shop and an agriculture-themed area.
The museum also has a law enforcement exhibit, paid for by Howard Buffett, son of billionaire Warren Buffett. Howard Buffett has funded a wide variety of projects in his hometown of Decatur, including some focused on “community revitalization,” a law enforcement training facility, an amphitheater and more.
Decatur is also home to the Scovill Zoo, the Hieronymus Mueller Museum and Rock Springs Nature Center.
Another Illinois spot on US News’ list
Just about a 40-minute drive from Decatur lies Springfield, the fourth best affordable place to live, according to U.S. News.
“We at the City of Springfield are thrilled to be recognized as one of the nation’s most affordable places to live, according to U.S. News & World Report,” Mayor Misty Buscher wrote in an emailed statement. “With housing and rental costs rising across the country, this recognition highlights the opportunities available to our citizens and those considering making Springfield their home. What makes Springfield truly special is the strong sense of community that exists here, something I have always felt and know our residents feel as well.”
Illinois’ capital city is perhaps best known for its ties to Abraham Lincoln, but Springfield is also home to Route 66 attractions and a walkable downtown area full of local businesses, as well as lots of parks and natural areas to explore.
“Our team is committed to supporting residents and businesses through effective communication, resource sharing, funding assistance, and business development workshops,” Amy Rasing, director of the city’s office of planning and economic development, wrote in the email. “Strategic community engagement allows us to gather actionable data to guide our efforts, ensuring Springfield remains a welcoming, thriving community where people want to live, work, and open businesses.”
U.S. News reported Springfield’s median rent is $711, with a median home value of $153,738. Rental website Apartments.com reports rental housing in Springfield is about 20% cheaper than the national average.
Here’s what to know about the other U.S. cities to make the cut.
Top 25 best affordable places to live
Here’s how the 25 best affordable places to live compared, according to U.S. News:
1. Decatur, Ill.
2. Enid, Okla.
3. Weirton, W.Va.
4. Springfield, Ill.
5. Mission, Texas
6. Bay City, Mich.
7. Eagle Pass, Texas
8. Fort Smith, Ark.
9. Anniston, Ala.
10. Midland, Mich.
11. Laredo, Texas
12. League City, Texas
13. Broken Arrow, Okla.
14. Katy, Texas
15. Wichita Falls, Texas
16. Johnstown, Pa.
17. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
18. Dothan, Ala.
19. St. Joseph, Mo.
20. Joplin, Mo.
21. Harlingen, Texas
22. Florence, S.C.
23. McAllen, Texas
24. Florissant, Mo.
25. Battle Creek, Mich.
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