This probably isn’t shocking to you, but buying a house isn’t affordable for many these days. With the cost of living soaring, it’s tough to keep a roof over your head. The average American household spends $6,440 a month in expenses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical home value is $367,969. according to Zillow, which isn’t exactly a steal.
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The good news is there are still areas where you can buy a house at a reasonable price — and the South has plenty of affordable options. Using data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and the U.S. Census Bureau, GOBankingRates put together a list of the cheapest places to purchase a home in every Southern state.
Alabama
Cheapest place: Selmont-West Selmont
2025 ZHVI: $31,951
Total population: 2,121
Known for its Civil Right Movement historical landmarks, Selmont-West Selmont is the cheapest town in Alabama to buy. According to BestPlaces, it’s nearly 30% lower than the national average to live.
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Arkansas
Cheapest place: Helena – West Helena
2025 ZHVI: $44,116
Total population: 9,218
Helena-West Helena was created when two previously existing towns merged, and offers everything from Blues legends, Civil War sites and canoe rides along the Mississippi River. The cost of living is 34% less than the national average.
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Florida
Cheapest place: Gretna
2025 ZHVI: $87,664
Total population: 1,405
Grenta is a scenic rural town where the cost of living is 16% lower than the national average, according to BestPlaces. Homes are 74% cheaper.
Georgia
Cheapest place: Cuthbert
2025 ZHVI: $59,311
Total population: 3,045
Cuthbert is near the Chattahoochee River, where you can picnic, take a canoe ride or just relax. Cost of living is 34% lower than the national average, homeownership is over 75% cheaper.
Kentucky
Cheapest place: Cumberland
2025 ZHVI: $53,200
Total population: 2,234
Cumberland, a home-rule city where the town has greater autonomy and the power to self-govern, boasts stunning mountain views and frequent black bear sightings. It’s 30.5% lower than the national average to live.
Louisiana
Cheapest place: Lake Providence
2025 ZHVI: $68,294
Total population: 3,424
Surrounded by natural beauty, Lake Providence has a relaxed vibe and is very affordable. The cost of living is 30% lower than the national average.
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Mississippi
Cheapest place: Itta Bena
2025 ZHVI: $49,711
Total population: 1,735
Itta Bena is a welcoming small town that’s rich in Blues culture and is a place cheap to live. Cost of living is 34% lower than the national average.
North Carolina
Cheapest place: Roxobel
2025 ZHVI: $45,507
Total population: 347
Dating back to 1724, Roxobel has serene landscapes, a strong sense of community and deep historical roots. It’s a relaxed town with affordable living. Roxobel is 26% cheaper to live than the national average.
South Carolina
Cheapest place: Wagener
2025 ZHVI: $46,191
Total population: 1,170
Wagener is a small yet dynamic town that’s encompassed by natural beauty and friendly locals. The cost of living is 15% less than the national average.
Tennessee
Cheapest place: Maury City
2025 ZHVI: $105,919
Total population: 685
Maury City is a quiet small farming community that’s tight-knit and inexpensive to live. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living is 25% cheaper than the national average.
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Texas
Cheapest place: Whiteface
2025 ZHVI: $60,991
Total population: 390
Primarily known for its ranching community, Whiteface was named after Herefords — the type of cattle raised by the rancher who founded the area in 1924. The cost of living in Whiteface is 30% less than the national average.
Virginia
Cheapest place: Appalachia
2025 ZHVI: $48,574
Total population: 1,612
Nestled near the Appalachian Mountains, Appalachia was once a thriving coal mining town and is now a place where nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a nice quality of life at a low cost. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living is 30% lower than the national average.
West Virginia
Cheapest place: War
2025 ZHVI: $31,962
Total population: 593
Named after War Creek, which runs through the area, War is a quaint town that’s affordable — the cost of living is 30% cheaper than the national average.
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed.
Methodology: To find the cheapest place to buy a home in every state, GOBankingRates analyzed every state to find the cities with the cheapest median home values, as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. For each city, the total population was sourced from the U.S. Census American Consumer Survey as supplemental data. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 27, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every Southern State
