13 Affordable Cities Where You Don’t Need To Own a Car

Living in a metropolitan area is a dream for many, especially those who don’t want to worry about the expenses of maintaining a car. New York City is a great option, ideally; however, with rent prices increasing every year, the city that never sleeps is becoming more and more difficult to afford.

According to Apartments.com, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,793, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the United States. 

However, what contributes to the appeal of living in New York City, aside from its vibrancy, is its accessibility. Not only is the Big Apple a very walkable city, but the subway and bus system also run 24/7. This means you don’t need to own a car to live there.

For those of you who are looking for cities that offer the same convenience of getting around without a car – but without the New York City price tag – here are 13 other cities to consider moving to. These cities are ordered by average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment, starting with the least expensive, as of June 2024. 

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,518, per Apartments.com. Here are seven cities with an average monthly rent below that price point that also provide accessible public transportation or are just as walkable. 

• Average monthly rent: $1,166

With liveliness like New York City but lower housing costs, Houston is a walkable Southern gem where you don’t need to own a car to live or visit. 

The city is known for its food, live music and dynamic nightlife – and you can experience it all via its extensive bus and train metro system. According to the Forbes Advisor cost of living calculator, transportation in Houston is also approximately 21% lower than in New York City.

• Average monthly rent: $1,287

The iconic and vibrant Big Easy offers great entertainment and low housing prices for those looking to move somewhere without a car. 

You can get around on foot, but if the weather is too hot, you can also hop on the tram to explore the historic French Quarter for jazz spots or authentic beignets. Additionally, New Orleans is home to the oldest operating tram in the world, the St. Charles Streetcar Line, and has multiple routes and lines to get around the city, according to New Orleans Tourism.

• Average monthly rent: $1,380 

Dallas is lacking in terms of public transportation, but there are still other ways to get around without a car. According to a recent study by Preply on America’s most walkable cities, Dallas ranked third, “with all five of its tourist hotspots able to be covered within 3,570 steps. That’s a breezy 1.7 miles or 41 minutes of walking in total.” 

Dallas has a lower overall cost of living than New York City, especially in terms of food – you could spend as low as $289.61 a month on groceries, per Smart Asset.

• Average monthly rent: $1,380

If you are someone who loves to bike, Boise might be perfect for you. Downtown and North End are two very popular neighborhoods that are extremely pedestrian-friendly. 

The Downtown Boise Association lists available apartments and condominiums on its website, as well as services like fitness and medical centers on the map in the Downtown district. This means that everything you might need on a day-to-day basis is within walking distance.

• Average monthly rent: $1,440

Charlotte as a city has a low overall walkability score compared with the rest of the U.S., but its low rental prices make it worth considering. 

Specific neighborhoods in the Uptown area, like the First, Second and Fourth Wards, have Walk Scores of over 80 out of 100, according to Redfin. The greenery and suburban aesthetic of these neighborhoods will give you a refreshing change from typical bustling cities. 

• Average monthly rent: $1,445 

While owning a car in Baltimore has its benefits, you can easily get around without one in this famed seaport. Aside from having light rail and express bus fares for as low as $1.80, per U.S. News, Baltimore also has water taxis with many stops and car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

If walking is your preference, the Inner Harbor is worth strolling around for recreation and food.

• Average monthly rent: $1,486 

Bremerton is a great walking and biking city – and the transit prices add an extra level of affordability that make the city even more attractive to live in. There are serene landmarks to check out on foot as well as a beautiful promenade with views of the marina. 

A ferry also runs from Bremerton to Seattle, with sailings offered as early as 4:40 a.m. on weekdays, according to Kitsap Transit. 

Here are six more cities with one-bedroom apartments below the average New York City monthly rent price point that you can navigate by walking or via reliable public transportation.

• Average monthly rent: $1,655

From country music to hot chicken sandwiches, Nashville has a lot to offer for those looking to live in the South. 

It is the second most walkable city in the U.S., according to Preply. According to its estimates on foot travel, “at only 3,150 steps between each of Nashville’s most popular destinations, there’s no need to spend big on taxi fares.” This means you can get from one point to another in under 4 miles. 

• Average monthly rent: $1,700

U.S. News ranks Philadelphia sixth on its list of the 10 Best Cities for Public Transportation, with a transit score of 67. Not only is it comparable to New York City in terms of transit, but you can also travel between the two major cities easily by bus or train. 

Philly’s version of New York’s MTA, SEPTA, offers cheaper pay-per-ride fares for buses and trains. For those who rely on transit to get to work, this would save you money in the long run.

• Average monthly rent: $1,702

The Mile High City is a great option for a location where you don’t need to own a car. Whether you prefer walking, riding public transit or biking, there are multiple ways to get around and also enjoy the scenic landscape. 

Relocating from New York City to Denver would result in a drop both in housing prices and in cost of living, per PayScale.

• Average monthly rent: $1,715

Not only is Santa Fe walkable, but it is also popular for its historical walking tours. One organization associated with the New Mexico History Museum, Friends of History, shows tour groups the “the intriguing history, diverse architecture and unique atmosphere of one of the United States’ oldest and most notable capital cities.” 

Sites like the Santa Fe Plaza and New Mexico State Capitol are located within walking distance in the downtown area.

• Average monthly rent: $1,847

Recently named the most walkable city in the U.S. by Preply, Chicago is most famous for its deep-dish pizza and historical architecture. 

The Windy City scored a 65.9 foot traffic index, compared with New York’s index of 100, in Smart Growth America’s 2023 report on walkable urban locations in America. The study highlights how Chicago is an exception to commonly known walkable cities since it is not located on one of the two coasts.

• Average monthly rent: $2,034

Seattle ranked ninth in the U.S. News top 10 list for public transportation. Like New York’s, Seattle’s transit system includes bus, train and boat. As in New Orleans, you could also travel via the electric streetcars, which have been running since the late 19th century, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.