I Asked ChatGPT Where Middle-Class Families Should Go When Big Cities Get Too Expensive

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Living in a big city is becoming increasingly challenging in 2025. The average rent in San Francisco is $3,500 per month. In New York, it’s $3,714, and in Boston, it’s $3,350. If you live in Los Angeles, you’ll need to pay 9.75% sales tax on goods and services. In Seattle, you’ve got to pay 10.35%.

And for a middle-class family, other expenses add to the stress of big-city living. In the largest 100 metro cities across the U.S., the cost of full-time infant child care averaged $1,218 per month for one child and $2,182 for two.

The costs are beginning to outweigh the benefits for many families. For a new perspective on where families should look to live with lower costs, I asked ChatGPT for its advice.

What To Look For

Not every affordable city will be a perfect fit for your specific situation, even if it means saving more. ChatGPT highlighted some important considerations to help you decide which cities would suit you: 

• Job market: being able to find high-paying jobs that take advantage of your skillset
• Cost of housing: paying at below the national average
• School quality: having options to provide your children with high-quality education
• Commute times and traffic: avoiding long commutes and having public transportation options
• Healthcare access: access to top-notch hospitals, clinics and healthcare services
• Community feel: an area that is safe and has the amenities and sense of belonging you want

Not everyone will value each factor the same. For example, if you work remotely, living in a city with recreational bike lanes and parks may be more important than commute traffic. Prioritize these elements to find the best balance. 

ChatGPT’s Affordable City Recommendations

Here are six affordable cities for middle-class families to consider:

Pittsburgh

• Pros: Affordable housing, strong healthcare and education sectors, family-friendly neighborhoods
• Cost of Living: ~12% below the national average
• Why It Works: Great for families wanting city amenities with small-town prices

The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in the U.S. is $2,100, while Pittsburgh’s is $1,500. This means Pittsburgh’s average rent is close to 30% lower than the national average, making it an excellent option for those looking to pay less without downgrading their housing.

Des Moines, Iowa

• Pros: Low housing costs, good schools, stable job market (finance, insurance, healthcare)
• Cost of Living: ~10%-15% below national average
• Bonus: Rapidly growing, family-oriented and safe

Des Moines’ cost of living is 14.7% below the national average, with utilities, transportation, healthcare and goods and services each at least 6% below on their own. This city is also averaging a very affordable rent of $1,095 per month, with rent costs ranging from $450 to $6,210. 

Knoxville or Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Pros: No state income tax, low property taxes, access to nature
• Cost of Living: Significantly below national average
• Why It Works: Offers a balance of urban perks and suburban comfort

Knoxville and Chattanooga are two cities 112 miles apart, but both are reasonable choices for families looking for living arrangements in the South. The average rent in Knoxville is $1,875, and Chattanooga is slightly cheaper at $1,650. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax is another big draw for middle-class families across the country.

Greenville, South Carolina

• Pros: Booming job market (manufacturing, tech), affordable housing, charming downtown
• Cost of Living: ~10% below national average
• Family Draw: Good public schools and lots of outdoor activities

For young families, Greenville can be an excellent choice. The median age of residents is 33.9, and as ChatGPT pointed out, it has a great job market with an unemployment rate of 4.16%, which is under the national average. The average rental cost lower than the national average at $1,754.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Pros: Strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors, low home prices
• Cost of Living: ~9%-12% below national average
• Cultural Life: Vibrant arts scene and family-oriented festivals

On average, rent in Grand Rapids runs $1,695 per month, well below the national average. Grand Rapids has also taken off economically, ranked as one of the top 20 U.S. cities in terms of job growth and the top 10 for rising income. 

Fayetteville, Arkansas

• Pros: University town, expanding job market, great quality of life
• Cost of Living: ~14% below national average
• Why It Works: Ranked high for affordability and livability by many national surveys

The average rental cost in Fayetteville is $1,800, but it’s also got other things going for it, as ChatGPT pointed out. Fayetteville boasts high livability standards, ranking as one of the top 10 cities to live in by various news outlets. It’s also seen as an exceptional bike city, with 3,000 acres of land, 70 parks and 40 miles of trails.

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