November 25, 2025 – Decatur, Illinois has been named the No. 1 “Best Affordable Place to Live” in the United States for 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report. According to the ranking, what lifted Decatur to the top was a rare combination of a low overall cost of living and especially affordable housing costs relative to income.
Housing in Decatur stands out: the median rent is only about US $570 per month, and the median home value is approximately US $89,855 — among the lowest in the nationwide ranking, and far below the national median home value of around $370,489. These numbers mean that individuals and families can stretch their dollars further here, affording housing without sacrificing other essentials.
With this recognition, Decatur becomes a compelling option for renters, homebuyers, retirees, or families looking for affordable living without completely giving up on comfort or convenience. The city of nearly 67,000 residents, located about a three-hour drive from Chicago, offers a midwestern lifestyle where housing and day-to-day living costs remain well below national averages.
Of course, affordability is only one piece of the puzzle — but for many people, the low cost of living in Decatur may offer a real opportunity to own a home or live comfortably without the financial pressure found in pricier regions of the country.
Rounding out the top five were: Enid, OK in 2nd, Weirton, WV in 3rd, Springfield, IL in 4th and Mission, TX in 5th.
