Do You Live in One of the Top 10 U.S. Cities for Most Affordable Home Repairs?
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Every day, it feels like life in America becomes increasingly more expensive, with not a lot of wiggle room in the budget to upgrade what you already have. Groceries remain at an all time high in terms of cost, with transportation and housing not far behind. However, there is a breath of fresh air when it comes to fixing and maintaining your home.
A new study sent to GOBankingRates was conducted by Highland Cabinetry and found the top big cities in the U.S. with the most affordable house renovations. The analysis evaluated key factors influencing renovation affordability, including median house price, average contractor rates, median house age and the share of homes built since 2010.
Additional metrics, such as income per capita, housing unit occupancy rates and home improvement loan activity (total and per 100,000 residents), were incorporated. Each city was scored and ranked based on these parameters.
“When planning a renovation, focus on projects that make a big impact, like modern kitchens or energy-efficient upgrades, while also adding long-term value,” said a spokesperson from Highland Cabinetry. “Compare contractor rates to get the best deal and tackle smaller DIY updates to save money. If financing, prioritize timeless improvements that balance personal style with broad appeal. The right planning can transform your space without overspending.”
Do you live in one of these top 10 U.S. cities with the most affordable housing renovations?
Mesa, Arizona
- Annual home improvement loans: $11,666
- Average hourly contractor rate: $28.69
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $60,975
- Highest average renovation cost: $67,412
Houston
- Annual home improvement loans: $4,010
- Average hourly contractor rate: $24.41
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $54,855
- Highest average renovation cost: $66,030
Memphis, Tennessee
- Annual home improvement loans: $1,513
- Average hourly contractor rate: $29.51
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $58,596
- Highest average renovation cost: $62,913
Jacksonville, Florida
- Annual home improvement loans: $2,581
- Average hourly contractor rate: $28.14
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $55,531
- Highest average renovation cost: $62,377
Nashville, Tennessee
- Annual home improvement loans: $4,629
- Average hourly contractor rate: $29.36
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $58,596
- Highest average renovation cost: $62,913
Raleigh, North Carolina
- Annual home improvement loans: $4,959
- Average hourly contractor rate: $29.52
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $58,396
- Highest average renovation cost: $63,059
Austin, Texas
- Annual home improvement loans: $1,944
- Average hourly contractor rate: $29.51
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $54,855
- Highest average renovation cost: $66,030
Atlanta
- Annual home improvement loans: $11,859
- Average hourly contractor rate: $24.93
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $56,397
- Highest average renovation cost: $66,832
Miami
- Annual home improvement loans: $8,692
- Average hourly contractor rate: $23.46
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $55,531
- Highest average renovation cost: $62,377
Fort Worth, Texas
- Annual home improvement loans: $6,709
- Average hourly contractor rate: $44.05
- Cheapest average renovation cost: $54,855
- Highest average renovation cost: $66,030
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