The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every Southern State

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.  

• 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.