Real Estate Blog

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.

atlanta ga home

#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.

blue and gray home with trees in Snellville Georgia

#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.

brick and siding exterior on home in Ground Georgia

#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.

grey and white home in Johns Cree Georgia

#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.

This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.