Cheapest Zip Codes in the US

By PropertyClub Team
Feb 21st 2024
In a nation marked by diverse economic landscapes, affordability plays a significant role in determining where individuals and families choose to reside. For some, finding a place where the cost of living aligns with their financial means is crucial. Whether seeking to purchase a home, rent an apartment, or start a business, affordability can greatly influence decision-making. Let's explore the 20 cheapest zip codes in the United States.

hash-mark48505: Flint, MI

The cheapest zip code in the US is 48505, which covers the area of Flint, Michigan, and has a median rent of $750 and a median home price of $25,941. The area has a population of 18,740, and has a relatively high rental percentage among residensts. In addition to having the affordable housing in the country, the cost of living index is also a very low 78.3, which is well below the US national average of 100.

hash-mark71103: Shreveport, LA

Another one of the most affordable zip codes in America is 71103, which is located in Shreveport, Louisiana. This zip code presents residents a relatively cheap place to live living with a median rent of $815 and a median home price of $26,846. The 71103 zip code is home to a population of 6,133, and the cost of living index in this zip code stands at 84.6.

hash-mark17935: Girardville, PA

Nestled in Pennsylvania, Girardville (Zip Code: 17935) boasts a median house rent of $800, with a median home price of $32,642. With a population of 1,586, this zip code scores low on the cost of living index at 81.4, making it an economical choice for those seeking affordability. However, unemployment stands at 17.7%, reflecting the economic challenges faced by the community.

hash-mark24736: Matoaka, WV

Matoaka, West Virginia, represented by zip code 24736, offers affordability with a median apartment rent of $691 and a median home price of $40,829. With a population of 702, this area has a relatively high school attainment rate but struggles with an older demographic and has a cost of living index of 82.9.

hash-mark71601: Pine Bluff, AR 

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, zip code 71601 stands out for its affordability. With a median rent of $750 and a median home price of $46,187, this area accommodates a population of 14,129. However, unemployment remains high at 17.2%, and the cost of living index in zip code 71601 stands at 79.7.

hash-mark61832: Danville, IL

Danville, Illinois (Zip Code: 61832), with a population of 33,391, boasts a median rent of $625 and a median home price of $52,849. With a relatively low unemployment rate of 9.6% and a significant portion of the population holding bachelor's degrees or higher at 18.2%, Danville offers a blend of affordability and educational opportunities. In addition, the cost of living index in this zip code is 81.3.

hash-mark24724: Bramwell, WV

Bramwell, West Virginia (Zip Code: 24724), may be small, with a population of 108, but its median rent of $534 and a median home price of $53,433 make it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The cost of living index here stands at 90. However, the high unemployment rate of 47.2% signals challenges within the local economy.

hash-mark72036: Cotton Plant, AR 

Nestled in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, zip code 72036 stands out for its affordability and has a cost of living index of 77.7. With a median monthly rent of $441 and a median home price of $65,426, this zip code offers an economical living option. Despite its small population of 598, the area struggles with a high unemployment rate of 20%.

hash-mark25142: Seth, WV

Seth, West Virginia (Zip Code: 25142), is a small community with a population of 471 and a cost of living index of 80. Despite its size, it offers a median rent of $705 and a median home price of $66,718. However, with an unemployment rate of 21.2% and a lack of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, economic revitalization efforts may be necessary to support sustainable growth.

hash-mark63136: Jennings, MO

Jennings, Missouri (Zip Code: 63136), with a population of 44,513, offers a median rent of $1,150 and a median home price of $67,011. Despite a relatively higher median home price compared to others on this list, its affordability remains notable. The cost of living index here stands at 94.6, which is still low compared to the US national average of 100.

hash-mark72123: Patterson, AR 

Patterson, Arkansas, represented by zip code 72123, offers affordability with a median apartment rent of $486 and a median home price of $68,062. The population of 314 enjoys a relatively low unemployment rate of 6.0%. Furthermore, the cost of living index in this zip code is 76.4.

hash-mark48224: Detroit, Michigan

In the heart of Detroit, Michigan (Zip Code: 48224), affordability meets urban living as this zip code's cost of living index is 94.2. With a population of 39,079, a median rent of $1,100, and a median home price of $70,298, this zip code offers an affordable option within a major city. However, unemployment remains high at 14.7%, reflecting broader economic issues in the region.

hash-mark47302: Muncie, Indiana

Muncie, Indiana (Zip Code: 47302), is home to 25,258 residents with a median rent of $880 and a median home price of $77,595. Despite a relatively low unemployment rate of 7.0%, challenges persist within the local economy. However, with 12.3% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, educational opportunities abound. In addition, the cost of living here is less than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.9.

hash-mark21217: Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, Maryland, presents zip code 21217, characterized by a median rent of $1,121 and a median home price of $79,038. With a population of 31,902, the area faces an unemployment rate of 13.4%. However, with the cost of living index of 107, this zip code is a bit expensive as compared to the other zip codes mentioned in this list. 

hash-mark19140: Philadelphia, PA 

Zip code 19140 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, provides an economical living option despite its urban setting. 19140 is one of the cheapest zip codes to buy a house in the US, offering its 55,191 residents lots of inexpsive living options. With the median rent for a studio in 19140 being only $761, and the median home price of $80,579, this area caters to those seeking affordability in the city.

hash-mark38109: Memphis, TN

Memphis, Tennessee, is also home to one of the cheapest zip codes in America. Residents of zip code 38109 in Memphis enjoy affordable living options with a median rent of $959 and a median home price of $82,886. Despite its population of 45,194, the area faces a high unemployment rate of 21.4% and has a cost of living index of 102.7.

hash-mark46953: Marion, Indiana

Zip code 46953 is another affordable place to live. Located in Marion, Indiana, and home to a population of 23,512, it has a median rent of $760 and a median home price of $88,204. With an unemployment rate of 11.0%, Marion faces economic challenges, but its affordability (cost of living index of 75.8) and youthful population underscore its potential for growth and development.

hash-mark14904: Southport, NY

Southport, New York's 14904 is also one of the cheapest zip codes in America, with a population of 14,792, presents a median rent of $1,150 and a median home price of $88,388. While its cost of living index sits near the national average at 101.3, Southport offers affordability within the state. With an unemployment rate of 7.9%, it faces economic challenges that are typical of many small communities.

hash-mark43952: Steubenville, OH

Steubenville, Ohio's 43952 is also one of the most affordable zip codes in the US, with a median rent of $650 and a median home price of $90,806 for its 17,542 residents. With a cost of living index below average at 88.7, it offers affordability compared to national standards. Unemployment stands at 9.1%, reflecting the economic landscape of the region.

hash-mark46218: Indianapolis, IN

Wrapping up our list of cheapest zip codes in the US is 46218. This zip code covering the area of Indianapolis, Indiana, has a cost of living index of 87 and boasts a median rent of $800 and a median home price of $95,779. Despite its population of 29,446, the area faces an unemployment rate of 13.6%.