Survey Reveals the US Cities Offering the Best Bang for Your Buck

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from Advance America set out to answer a key question: Is there a place to live that feels like home, offers long-term value, and doesn't break the bank?

While cities like New York and San Francisco may be dream destinations, the reality is far from affordable for most Americans. The average home price in New York City has climbed to $763,358 — and in San Francisco, it's a staggering $1,272,219.

But the dream of homeownership doesn't have to come with sky-high costs. According to a new nationwide survey, there are hidden gems scattered across the country where affordability meets quality of life. Advance America polled 3,021 real estate professionals to identify U.S. cities — from the Carolinas to the Mountain West — where residents can get the best bang for their buck

"These cities prove that you don't have to sacrifice lifestyle to save money," said Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. "Whether you're a young professional, raising a family, or planning your retirement, there are places across the country where your dollar works harder — without compromising on what matters most."

Top 10 cities offering the best bang for your buck

1. Ocala, Florida
2. Pensacola, Florida
3. Greer, South Carolina
4. Aiken, South Carolina
5. Bowling Green, Kentucky
6. Sebring, Florida
7. Sanford, North Carolina
8. Hilo, Hawaii
9. Valdosta, Georgia
10. Wichita Falls, Texas

These cities stood out for offering a strong combination of housing affordability, community appeal, and overall value, making them ideal for Americans seeking more for their money.

Explore the full list of the top 130 cities here:

https://www.advanceamerica.net/money-saving-tips/money-management/survey-reveals-us-cities-best-bang-for-your-buck

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Methodology

This report is based on an online panel survey of 3,021 real estate agents across the U.S., selected based on age, gender, and geographic representation. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.

About Advance America

Founded in 1997, Advance America is a leading state-licensed consumer lender in the US. It operates over 800 storefronts in communities across 22 states, along with online lending operations, and has approximately 2,500 employees. Advance America seeks to help each customer achieve their version of financial stability in the moment and in the future through a variety of personal credit options. Please visit AdvanceAmerica.net for more information.

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SOURCE Advance America