Vibrant cities like Atlanta and Savannah, farmlands filled with peanuts, pecans, and peaches, lush Blue Ridge Mountains, coastlines, and historic sites – Georgia has an endless list of reasons that might make you want to move there. So if you’re considering living in Georgia then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. As of August, the median home sale price in Georgia is $375,000.
If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has collected 8 of the most affordable places to live in Georgia. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Read on to see what cities you may want to consider moving to this year.
#1: Albany
Median home price: $145,000
Average sale price per square foot: $75
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $600
Median household income: $40,036
Nearest major metro: Tallahassee, FL (90 miles)
Albany, GA homes for sale
Albany, GA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $145,000, Albany comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Georgia. About 69,600 people live in this city and is roughly 90 miles from the nearest major metropolitan city, Tallahassee, FL. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to check out downtown Albany, visit the Flint RiverQuarium, and explore the Riverfront Trail where you’ll find Ray Charles Memorial Park.
#2: Valdosta
Median home price: $185,000
Average sale price per square foot: $111
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $850
Median household income: $35,188
Nearest major metro: Tallahassee, FL (20 miles)
Valdosta, GA homes for sale
Valdosta, GA apartments for rent
Georgia’s second most affordable city to live in is Valdosta, located just north of the Georgia-Florida border. When living in this city of 55,400 people, you can explore the charming downtown Valdosta streets, visit museums like Lowndes County Historical Museum or Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, and golf at one of the courses.
#3: Macon
Median home price: $190,000
Average sale price per square foot: $107
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,282
Median household income: $33,163
Nearest major metro: Atlanta (85 miles)
Macon, GA homes for sale
Macon, GA apartments for rent
Third is Macon where about 152,700 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $190,000 which is about $185K less than the median home sale price in Georgia. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable place, make sure to check out Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and explore the riverfront area where you’ll find shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of museums to visit such as the Tubman Museum, the Allman Brothers Band Museum, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
#4: Augusta
Median home price: $215,000
Average sale price per square foot: $126
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,006
Median household income: $35,188
Nearest major metro: Columbia, SC (70 miles)
Augusta, GA homes for sale
Augusta, GA apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Macon is none other than Augusta. About 202,100 people live in Augusta, where there are plenty of unique activities to do. Be sure to have a picnic at New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park, explore the August Riverwalk and the charming downtown area, and visit museums like the Augusta Museum of History and the Morris Museum of Art.
#5: Columbus
Median home price: $224,900
Average sale price per square foot: $121
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $936
Median household income: $35,188
Nearest major metro: Atlanta (100 miles)
Columbus, GA homes for sale
Columbus, GA apartments for rent
Another great area to add to your list is Columbus. Home to 206,900 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. In Columbus, you can walk or bike along the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, check out museums like Coca-Cola Space Science Center and National Civil War Naval Museum, and visit green spaces like Flat Rock Park and Columbus Botanical Garden.
#6: Warner Robins
Median home price: $251,225
Average sale price per square foot: $136
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $810
Median household income: $58,379
Nearest major metro: Macon (20 miles)
Warner Robins, GA homes for sale
Warner Robins, GA apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known city, Warner Robins, where the median home sale price is about $125K less than the state’s average. Home to roughly 80,300 people, Warner Robins is a great place to consider renting or buying a home this year. You’ll also have easy access to what makes this city special, like visiting the Museum of Aviation and checking out the restaurants and shops in town.
#7: Savannah
Median home price: $313,000
Average sale price per square foot: $198
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,633
Median household income: $49,832
Nearest major metro: Jacksonville, FL (130 miles)
Savannah, GA homes for sale
Savannah, GA apartments for rent
Next on our list of affordable places to live in Georgia is Savannah. With a population of roughly 147,800, living in Savannah is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to visit Savannah’s Historic District where you’ll find historic homes, cobblestone streets, and preserved architecture. You can also explore River Street and the beautiful waterfront areas where you’ll find shops and restaurants, and check out one of the countless museums like SCAD Museum of Art.
#8: Athens
Median home price: $315,000
Average sale price per square foot: $190
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,250
Median household income: $43,466
Nearest major metro: Atlanta (70 miles)
Athens, GA homes for sale
Athens, GA apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable places to live in Georgia is Athens, located about 70 miles east of Atlanta. About 127,300 people reside in Athens, so be sure to visit the beautiful State Botanical Garden of Georgia and explore the Sandy Creek Nature Center. You can also check out the University of Georgia campus and grab a meal at one of the local restaurants once you move to Athens.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Georgia. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
