Moving To The Suburbs: Which Are The Cheapest City Suburbs?
Over the previous year, 22% of US adults either moved or know someone that moved home [1], with many looking to move away from the bustle of city metros to more open suburbs.
Additionally, various reports suggest that 91% of suburban counties in the US saw more people moving into them than out during 2020 and early 2021, with 84% of movers remaining in their metro area but towards more “suburban” settings.
But which are the cheapest suburban cities for those looking to escape the inner metro area?
We’ve analyzed 25 of the largest cities in the nation, comparing the average monthly rental costs and home prices against their neighboring ‘suburban’ cities and towns, with a population of over 10,000 and under 250,000, and up to 25 miles from the major city.
Key Findings
- The average price of a home in a major city cost $505,750, more than 8x the median household income ($62,843)
- In the suburbs, the average property costs $505,340, more than 8x the median household income
- San Jose has the most expensive average suburban property prices ($1,597,981), while El Paso has the cheapest ($161,619)
- The average property rental in a major city costs $2,149 per month, 41% of the US median monthly household income
- Suburban rentals cost $2,107 per month, a difference of $42 per month and an average of about 40% of the US median monthly household income
City & Suburb Home Prices
To provide an insight into where and what price people might be looking to pay should they move from one of the top 25 most populated cities in the nation, we’ve analyzed the Zillow house price data into the average cost of one, two, three, four, and five+ bedroom homes in major cities, the average suburban costs and the cheapest suburb*.
*Suburbs in the study were classified as population areas located within an easily commutable 25 miles of a major city, with a population of between 10,000 and 250,000.
Average Home Prices
Analyzing Zillow’s data we found that the average cost of a home in a major city ($505,750) and the suburbs ($505,340) nearby are almost identical, representing more than eight times the nation’s median annual household income.
However, as our analysis also revealed, in 12 of the major cities analyzed the ‘suburbs’ are cheaper than the major city, with 13 of the 25 cities showing the nearby towns and cities are more expensive than the major city.
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Average Price Difference | City Cost / Median Income | Suburb Cost / Median Income |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$849,745 | Suburbs Average$519,159 | Average Price Difference-$330,586 | City Cost / Median Income9.8 | Suburb Cost / Median Income6.0 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$1,689,110 | Suburbs Average$1,396,599 | Average Price Difference-$292,511 | City Cost / Median Income15.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income12.4 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$775,207 | Suburbs Average$568,668 | Average Price Difference-$206,539 | City Cost / Median Income12.1 | Suburb Cost / Median Income8.9 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$850,825 | Suburbs Average$664,010 | Average Price Difference-$186,815 | City Cost / Median Income9.2 | Suburb Cost / Median Income7.2 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$519,144 | Suburbs Average$361,652 | Average Price Difference-$157,492 | City Cost / Median Income7.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.1 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$400,662 | Suburbs Average$304,308 | Average Price Difference-$96,354 | City Cost / Median Income7.6 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.8 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$703,019 | Suburbs Average$631,035 | Average Price Difference-$71,985 | City Cost / Median Income9.9 | Suburb Cost / Median Income8.9 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$570,534 | Suburbs Average$521,906 | Average Price Difference-$48,628 | City Cost / Median Income8.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income7.6 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$971,795 | Suburbs Average$925,196 | Average Price Difference-$46,599 | City Cost / Median Income15.6 | Suburb Cost / Median Income14.9 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$411,231 | Suburbs Average$370,551 | Average Price Difference-$40,680 | City Cost / Median Income6.9 | Suburb Cost / Median Income6.2 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$315,132 | Suburbs Average$296,570 | Average Price Difference-$18,562 | City Cost / Median Income5.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income4.7 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$176,651 | Suburbs Average$161,619 | Average Price Difference-$15,032 | City Cost / Median Income3.7 | Suburb Cost / Median Income3.4 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$307,033 | Suburbs Average$310,396 | Average Price Difference$3,362 | City Cost / Median Income5.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.3 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$185,510 | Suburbs Average$193,196 | Average Price Difference$7,686 | City Cost / Median Income3.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income3.5 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$271,158 | Suburbs Average$306,261 | Average Price Difference$35,103 | City Cost / Median Income8.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income9.3 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$227,629 | Suburbs Average$276,560 | Average Price Difference$48,930 | City Cost / Median Income4.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.3 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$214,399 | Suburbs Average$270,337 | Average Price Difference$55,937 | City Cost / Median Income4.1 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.2 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$214,657 | Suburbs Average$271,016 | Average Price Difference$56,359 | City Cost / Median Income4.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.0 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$797,738 | Suburbs Average$855,277 | Average Price Difference$57,539 | City Cost / Median Income10.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income10.7 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$200,839 | Suburbs Average$258,956 | Average Price Difference$58,118 | City Cost / Median Income4.2 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.4 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$237,286 | Suburbs Average$314,037 | Average Price Difference$76,751 | City Cost / Median Income3.8 | Suburb Cost / Median Income5.0 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$90,098 | Suburbs Average$202,538 | Average Price Difference$112,440 | City Cost / Median Income2.9 | Suburb Cost / Median Income6.6 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$233,719 | Suburbs Average$456,501 | Average Price Difference$222,782 | City Cost / Median Income4.3 | Suburb Cost / Median Income8.3 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$338,467 | Suburbs Average$599,181 | Average Price Difference$260,714 | City Cost / Median Income5.9 | Suburb Cost / Median Income10.4 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$1,092,148 | Suburbs Average$1,597,981 | Average Price Difference$505,833 | City Cost / Median Income10.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income14.6 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$505,750 | Suburbs Average$505,340 | Average Price Difference-$409 | City Cost / Median Income8.0 | Suburb Cost / Median Income8.0 |
Overall, those living in Washington DC can find the best value outside of the city limits, with the average property costing an average of $330,000 less in the nearby suburbs. The suburbs of San Francisco are also cheaper than the major city, with the average home costing $292,511 less than within the city limits.
The average home in the suburbs of major cities is just $409 less, with each costing eight times the median household income ($62,843).
However, when we opened up the data further and investigated the average cost of one, two, three, four, and five or more bedroom homes in each of the cities, we found far more variance in the figures and national averages.
Average One Bedroom Prices
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Price Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Price Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CityBoston | Major City Average$577,551 | Suburbs Average$327,558 | Price Difference-$249,993 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$137,192 | Price Difference-$440,359 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$880,564 | Suburbs Average$687,318 | Price Difference-$193,246 | Cheapest SuburbMartinez | Cheapest Average$374,711 | Price Difference-$505,853 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$575,585 | Suburbs Average$393,984 | Price Difference-$181,601 | Cheapest SuburbRoselle | Cheapest Average$129,111 | Price Difference-$446,474 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$478,136 | Suburbs Average$342,004 | Price Difference-$136,132 | Cheapest SuburbFederal Way | Cheapest Average$183,168 | Price Difference-$294,968 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$417,514 | Suburbs Average$283,253 | Price Difference-$134,261 | Cheapest SuburbBeltsville | Cheapest Average$124,657 | Price Difference-$292,857 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$296,906 | Suburbs Average$169,471 | Price Difference-$127,435 | Cheapest SuburbPenns Grove | Cheapest Average$33,702 | Price Difference-$263,204 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$249,141 | Suburbs Average$129,812 | Price Difference-$119,329 | Cheapest SuburbCalumet | Cheapest Average$56,531 | Price Difference-$192,610 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$174,067 | Suburbs Average$108,340 | Price Difference-$65,727 | Cheapest SuburbHarper Woods | Cheapest Average$42,104 | Price Difference-$131,963 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$579,162 | Suburbs Average$522,734 | Price Difference-$56,428 | Cheapest SuburbLaPuente | Cheapest Average$261,764 | Price Difference-$317,398 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$194,728 | Suburbs Average$173,537 | Price Difference-$21,191 | Cheapest SuburbGastonia | Cheapest Average$89,495 | Price Difference-$105,233 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$317,107 | Suburbs Average$299,320 | Price Difference-$17,787 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$107,330 | Price Difference-$209,777 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$99,416 | Suburbs Average$96,290 | Price Difference-$3,126 | Cheapest SuburbHorizon | Cheapest Average$93,722 | Price Difference-$5,694 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$127,690 | Suburbs Average$125,679 | Price Difference-$2,011 | Cheapest SuburbCircleville | Cheapest Average$60,262 | Price Difference-$67,428 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$255,194 | Suburbs Average$268,822 | Price Difference$13,628 | Cheapest SuburbGallatin | Cheapest Average$195,656 | Price Difference-$59,538 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$176,364 | Suburbs Average$197,202 | Price Difference$20,838 | Cheapest SuburbArlington | Cheapest Average$123,253 | Price Difference-$53,111 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$68,739 | Suburbs Average$95,056 | Price Difference$26,317 | Cheapest SuburbEl Reno | Cheapest Average$70,749 | Price Difference$2,010 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$145,929 | Suburbs Average$190,898 | Price Difference$44,969 | Cheapest SuburbGarland | Cheapest Average$96,425 | Price Difference-$49,504 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$305,228 | Suburbs Average$351,945 | Price Difference$46,717 | Cheapest SuburbWheat Ridge | Cheapest Average$215,762 | Price Difference-$89,466 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$387,964 | Suburbs Average$435,629 | Price Difference$47,665 | Cheapest SuburbLakeside | Cheapest Average$234,038 | Price Difference-$153,926 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$105,211 | Suburbs Average$155,969 | Price Difference$50,758 | Cheapest SuburbLebanon | Cheapest Average$123,210 | Price Difference$17,999 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$120,636 | Suburbs Average$216,848 | Price Difference$96,212 | Cheapest SuburbYulee | Cheapest Average$142,582 | Price Difference$21,946 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$103,652 | Suburbs Average$211,186 | Price Difference$107,534 | Cheapest SuburbSchertz | Cheapest Average$156,227 | Price Difference$52,575 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$119,586 | Suburbs Average$255,743 | Price Difference$136,157 | Cheapest SuburbSpring | Cheapest Average$124,994 | Price Difference$5,408 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$586,660 | Suburbs Average$780,688 | Price Difference$194,028 | Cheapest SuburbLivermore | Cheapest Average$384,672 | Price Difference-$201,988 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$191,554 | Suburbs Average$677,629 | Price Difference$486,075 | Cheapest SuburbSurprise | Cheapest Average$160,425 | Price Difference-$31,129 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$301,371 | Suburbs Average$299,877 | Price Difference-$1,495 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$148,870 | Price Difference-$152,502 |
Analyzing one-bedroom homes across the most populated 25 major cities, we found that on average a one-bedroom home will cost $1,495 more to buy in the city, with the overall cost of a home in a major city and the suburbs is 4.8 times the national median household income.
Our analysis found that those in Boston can find the best value in suburbs, saving $249,993 when buying a home outside of Boston itself. This is followed by San Francisco, where a suburban one-bedroom costs $193,246 less than within the city.
At the other end of the scale, our analysis found that a one-bedroom in Phoenix costs (on average) $486,075 more in the suburban towns and cities than in the city itself. While one bedroom in Phoenix costs $191,554, the average suburban cost is $677,629.
Average Two Bedroom Prices
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$1,337,276 | Suburbs Average$1,036,776 | Difference-$300,500 | Cheapest SuburbMartinez | Cheapest Average$460,862 | Difference-$876,414 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$616,975 | Suburbs Average$336,574 | Difference-$280,401 | Cheapest SuburbBeltsville | Cheapest Average$155,566 | Difference-$461,409 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$726,318 | Suburbs Average$452,757 | Difference-$273,561 | Cheapest SuburbKeansburg | Cheapest Average$208,188 | Difference-$518,130 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$706,458 | Suburbs Average$462,499 | Difference-$243,959 | Cheapest SuburbFederal Way | Cheapest Average$261,611 | Difference-$444,847 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$685,002 | Suburbs Average$477,847 | Difference-$207,155 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$254,787 | Difference-$430,215 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$436,732 | Suburbs Average$264,184 | Difference-$172,548 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$130,410 | Difference-$306,322 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$277,717 | Suburbs Average$222,416 | Difference-$55,301 | Cheapest SuburbCalumet | Cheapest Average$91,413 | Difference-$186,304 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$721,191 | Suburbs Average$665,903 | Difference-$55,288 | Cheapest SuburbRowland Heights | Cheapest Average$359,400 | Difference-$361,791 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$235,682 | Suburbs Average$220,560 | Difference-$15,122 | Cheapest SuburbPenns Grove | Cheapest Average$40,129 | Difference-$195,553 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$207,828 | Suburbs Average$196,706 | Difference-$11,122 | Cheapest SuburbGastonia | Cheapest Average$107,823 | Difference-$100,005 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$439,091 | Suburbs Average$429,580 | Difference-$9,511 | Cheapest SuburbCommerce | Cheapest Average$311,797 | Difference-$127,294 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$264,437 | Suburbs Average$260,653 | Difference-$3,784 | Cheapest SuburbGoodlettsville | Cheapest Average$200,698 | Difference-$63,739 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$199,791 | Suburbs Average$207,399 | Difference$7,608 | Cheapest SuburbBalch Springs | Cheapest Average$144,012 | Difference-$55,779 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$110,643 | Suburbs Average$119,045 | Difference$8,402 | Cheapest SuburbCanutillo | Cheapest Average$118,858 | Difference$8,215 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$94,498 | Suburbs Average$113,398 | Difference$18,900 | Cheapest SuburbGuthrie | Cheapest Average$76,210 | Difference-$18,288 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$153,367 | Suburbs Average$178,489 | Difference$25,122 | Cheapest SuburbJacinto | Cheapest Average$115,915 | Difference-$37,452 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$145,691 | Suburbs Average$174,368 | Difference$28,677 | Cheapest SuburbCircleville | Cheapest Average$100,877 | Difference-$44,814 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$584,700 | Suburbs Average$617,191 | Difference$32,491 | Cheapest SuburbEl Cajon | Cheapest Average$388,890 | Difference-$195,810 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$159,208 | Suburbs Average$212,202 | Difference$52,994 | Cheapest SuburbWhite Settlement | Cheapest Average$138,134 | Difference-$21,074 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$135,984 | Suburbs Average$190,042 | Difference$54,058 | Cheapest SuburbConverse | Cheapest Average$133,340 | Difference-$2,644 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$121,629 | Suburbs Average$191,643 | Difference$70,014 | Cheapest SuburbLebanon | Cheapest Average$133,959 | Difference$12,330 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$39,735 | Suburbs Average$144,968 | Difference$105,233 | Cheapest SuburbPontiac | Cheapest Average$70,199 | Difference$30,464 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$142,044 | Suburbs Average$298,482 | Difference$156,438 | Cheapest SuburbYulee | Cheapest Average$202,490 | Difference$60,446 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$250,057 | Suburbs Average$436,097 | Difference$186,040 | Cheapest SuburbEl Mirage | Cheapest Average$190,432 | Difference-$59,625 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$781,815 | Suburbs Average$1,130,025 | Difference$348,210 | Cheapest SuburbUnion | Cheapest Average$557,390 | Difference-$224,425 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$382,955 | Suburbs Average$361,592 | Difference-$21,363 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$198,136 | Difference-$184,819 |
The average two-bedroom city home costs $21,363 more than the average suburban two-bedroom. The average cost in a major city being $382,955, while in a suburban town or city that shrinks slightly to $361,592.
Our analysis found that those in San Francisco could expect to save $300,500 by looking towards the nearby suburbs. However, even these cheaper prices are 9.2 times the annual median household income in San Francisco ($112,449).
While 12 of the 25 major cities showed it was cheaper in the suburbs, 13 have cheaper prices within the city limits. A two-bedroom in San Jose city costs $781,815 (7.1 times the city’s median household income), while in the suburbs the average cost of a two-bedroom is $1,130,025 (10.3 times the median household income).
Average Three Bedroom Prices
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$1,633,449 | Suburbs Average$1,388,346 | Difference-$245,103 | Cheapest SuburbMartinez | Cheapest Average$685,501 | Difference-$947,948 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$736,874 | Suburbs Average$514,082 | Difference-$222,792 | Cheapest SuburbWaldorf | Cheapest Average$305,089 | Difference-$431,785 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$855,698 | Suburbs Average$692,581 | Difference-$163,117 | Cheapest SuburbBremerton | Cheapest Average$399,253 | Difference-$456,445 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$449,244 | Suburbs Average$314,493 | Difference-$134,751 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$192,125 | Difference-$257,119 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$675,958 | Suburbs Average$548,609 | Difference-$127,349 | Cheapest SuburbKeansburg | Cheapest Average$258,789 | Difference-$417,169 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$668,692 | Suburbs Average$619,639 | Difference-$49,053 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$365,501 | Difference-$303,191 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$537,727 | Suburbs Average$518,437 | Difference-$19,290 | Cheapest SuburbBrighton | Cheapest Average$416,149 | Difference-$121,578 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$152,732 | Suburbs Average$150,479 | Difference-$2,253 | Cheapest SuburbHorizon | Cheapest Average$138,954 | Difference-$13,778 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$256,464 | Suburbs Average$264,904 | Difference$8,440 | Cheapest SuburbGastonia | Cheapest Average$200,951 | Difference-$55,513 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$318,186 | Suburbs Average$329,257 | Difference$11,071 | Cheapest SuburbLa Vergne | Cheapest Average$234,369 | Difference-$83,817 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$160,034 | Suburbs Average$172,956 | Difference$12,922 | Cheapest SuburbEl Reno | Cheapest Average$131,268 | Difference-$28,766 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$280,675 | Suburbs Average$307,397 | Difference$26,722 | Cheapest SuburbCalumet | Cheapest Average$129,618 | Difference-$151,057 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$194,410 | Suburbs Average$223,796 | Difference$29,386 | Cheapest SuburbJacinto | Cheapest Average$142,293 | Difference-$52,117 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$237,805 | Suburbs Average$284,766 | Difference$46,961 | Cheapest SuburbBalch Springs | Cheapest Average$174,320 | Difference-$63,485 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$197,279 | Suburbs Average$253,505 | Difference$56,226 | Cheapest SuburbCircleville | Cheapest Average$151,239 | Difference-$46,040 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$193,081 | Suburbs Average$254,039 | Difference$60,958 | Cheapest SuburbConverse | Cheapest Average$188,794 | Difference-$4,287 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$173,954 | Suburbs Average$235,111 | Difference$61,157 | Cheapest SuburbBeech Grove | Cheapest Average$158,004 | Difference-$15,950 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$801,538 | Suburbs Average$875,279 | Difference$73,741 | Cheapest SuburbCompton | Cheapest Average$504,354 | Difference-$297,184 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$212,096 | Suburbs Average$290,809 | Difference$78,713 | Cheapest SuburbWhite Settlement | Cheapest Average$178,358 | Difference-$33,738 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$767,714 | Suburbs Average$862,793 | Difference$95,079 | Cheapest SuburbNational | Cheapest Average$535,934 | Difference-$231,780 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$184,084 | Suburbs Average$289,719 | Difference$105,635 | Cheapest SuburbPenns Grove | Cheapest Average$58,425 | Difference-$125,659 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$47,375 | Suburbs Average$197,589 | Difference$150,214 | Cheapest SuburbPontiac | Cheapest Average$88,180 | Difference$40,805 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$307,780 | Suburbs Average$494,881 | Difference$187,101 | Cheapest SuburbEl Mirage | Cheapest Average$255,682 | Difference-$52,098 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$207,884 | Suburbs Average$405,348 | Difference$197,464 | Cheapest SuburbYulee | Cheapest Average$241,759 | Difference$33,875 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$1,115,456 | Suburbs Average$1,604,670 | Difference$489,214 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$767,339 | Difference-$348,117 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$454,648 | Suburbs Average$483,739 | Difference$29,092 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$276,090 | Difference-$178,558 |
Our analysis found that the average suburban three-bedroom home costs $29,092 more than in the major city - $483,739 compared to $454,648. The average suburban three-bedroom home near a major city costs 7.7 times the median household, compared to the inner city average of 7.2 times.
San Francisco - despite being one of the most expensive cities - has the largest difference between the inner-city and suburban average. The suburban three-bedroom home costs $245,103 less than those in the inner city.
Washington DC has the second biggest difference between city and suburban averages, the average suburban home costing $222,792 less.
San Jose meanwhile sees the opposite of San Francisco and Washington DC, with the average three-bedroom home $489,214 more in the suburbs than in the city.
Average Four Bedroom Prices
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$970,338 | Suburbs Average$662,570 | Difference-$307,768 | Cheapest SuburbClinton | Cheapest Average$377,663 | Difference-$592,675 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$2,000,303 | Suburbs Average$1,737,456 | Difference-$262,847 | Cheapest SuburbRichmond | Cheapest Average$739,845 | Difference-$1,260,458 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$581,855 | Suburbs Average$404,809 | Difference-$177,046 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$250,327 | Difference-$331,528 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$1,032,526 | Suburbs Average$856,228 | Difference-$176,298 | Cheapest SuburbBremerton | Cheapest Average$435,501 | Difference-$597,025 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$808,363 | Suburbs Average$637,198 | Difference-$171,165 | Cheapest SuburbIrvington | Cheapest Average$283,666 | Difference-$524,697 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$481,866 | Suburbs Average$368,124 | Difference-$113,742 | Cheapest SuburbBalch Springs | Cheapest Average$212,453 | Difference-$269,413 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$681,930 | Suburbs Average$608,207 | Difference-$73,723 | Cheapest SuburbBrighton | Cheapest Average$451,379 | Difference-$230,551 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$207,983 | Suburbs Average$192,069 | Difference-$15,914 | Cheapest SuburbHorizon | Cheapest Average$156,329 | Difference-$51,654 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$370,962 | Suburbs Average$361,658 | Difference-$9,304 | Cheapest SuburbGastonia | Cheapest Average$280,527 | Difference-$90,435 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$441,806 | Suburbs Average$436,670 | Difference-$5,136 | Cheapest SuburbLa Vergne | Cheapest Average$295,998 | Difference-$145,808 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$242,278 | Suburbs Average$248,059 | Difference$5,781 | Cheapest SuburbEl Reno | Cheapest Average$174,283 | Difference-$67,995 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$743,137 | Suburbs Average$777,356 | Difference$34,219 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$387,084 | Difference-$356,053 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$273,763 | Suburbs Average$313,864 | Difference$40,101 | Cheapest SuburbConverse | Cheapest Average$218,094 | Difference-$55,669 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$340,582 | Suburbs Average$392,262 | Difference$51,680 | Cheapest SuburbCalumet | Cheapest Average$132,541 | Difference-$208,041 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$256,824 | Suburbs Average$309,365 | Difference$52,541 | Cheapest SuburbGalena Park | Cheapest Average$161,365 | Difference-$95,459 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$277,200 | Suburbs Average$342,408 | Difference$65,208 | Cheapest SuburbLondon | Cheapest Average$209,123 | Difference-$68,077 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$239,794 | Suburbs Average$310,137 | Difference$70,343 | Cheapest SuburbBeech Grove | Cheapest Average$181,558 | Difference-$58,236 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$287,012 | Suburbs Average$380,645 | Difference$93,633 | Cheapest SuburbWhite Settlement | Cheapest Average$209,000 | Difference-$78,012 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$922,686 | Suburbs Average$1,049,459 | Difference$126,773 | Cheapest SuburbNational | Cheapest Average$582,740 | Difference-$339,946 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$262,908 | Suburbs Average$392,152 | Difference$129,244 | Cheapest SuburbPenns Grove | Cheapest Average$75,040 | Difference-$187,868 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$970,573 | Suburbs Average$1,101,761 | Difference$131,188 | Cheapest SuburbCompton | Cheapest Average$538,886 | Difference-$431,687 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$66,130 | Suburbs Average$265,352 | Difference$199,222 | Cheapest SuburbMelvindale | Cheapest Average$117,456 | Difference$51,326 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$388,250 | Suburbs Average$598,345 | Difference$210,095 | Cheapest SuburbEl Mirage | Cheapest Average$277,810 | Difference-$110,440 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$293,386 | Suburbs Average$585,328 | Difference$291,942 | Cheapest SuburbYulee | Cheapest Average$284,127 | Difference-$9,259 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$1,321,296 | Suburbs Average$2,032,995 | Difference$711,699 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$933,135 | Difference-$388,161 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$578,550 | Suburbs Average$614,579 | Difference$36,029 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$318,637 | Difference-$259,913 |
Just 10 of the 25 cities analyzed have cheaper suburban four-bedroom homes, with the average cost of a suburban four-bedroom near one of the 25 cities analyzed being $614,579. In comparison, the average cost of a four-bedroom in the major cities was found to be $578,550, a difference of $36,029.
While those in San Jose looking at the suburbs for a four-bedroom home could face paying $711,699 more than in the city, those in Washington DC could save $307,768 by looking a little further afield.
The cities with the cheapest suburbs against local median annual household income are El Paso (4.0x), Oklahoma (4.5x), and Austin (5.7x). While a move to a suburban town or city near Austin or El Paso can save you money ($177,046 and $15,914 respectively), in Oklahoma a move away from the city adds an average of $5,781 to the price.
Average Five (Or More) Bedroom Prices
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$1,507,023 | Suburbs Average$799,314 | Difference-$707,709 | Cheapest SuburbClinton | Cheapest Average$406,859 | Difference-$1,100,164 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$937,921 | Suburbs Average$470,355 | Difference-$467,566 | Cheapest SuburbSeagoville | Cheapest Average$254,600 | Difference-$683,321 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$2,593,958 | Suburbs Average$2,133,099 | Difference-$460,859 | Cheapest SuburbRichmond | Cheapest Average$869,240 | Difference-$1,724,718 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$1,786,512 | Suburbs Average$1,460,305 | Difference-$326,207 | Cheapest SuburbCompton | Cheapest Average$603,333 | Difference-$1,183,179 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$810,783 | Suburbs Average$525,455 | Difference-$285,328 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$304,945 | Difference-$505,838 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$1,089,813 | Suburbs Average$810,792 | Difference-$279,021 | Cheapest SuburbIrvington | Cheapest Average$311,657 | Difference-$778,156 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$776,534 | Suburbs Average$557,355 | Difference-$219,179 | Cheapest SuburbLa Vergne | Cheapest Average$352,272 | Difference-$424,262 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$1,181,308 | Suburbs Average$966,737 | Difference-$214,571 | Cheapest SuburbBremerton | Cheapest Average$468,632 | Difference-$712,676 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$888,696 | Suburbs Average$701,361 | Difference-$187,335 | Cheapest SuburbBrighton | Cheapest Average$478,114 | Difference-$410,582 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$312,483 | Suburbs Average$250,212 | Difference-$62,271 | Cheapest SuburbHorizon | Cheapest Average$215,786 | Difference-$96,697 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$545,680 | Suburbs Average$486,047 | Difference-$59,633 | Cheapest SuburbMonroe | Cheapest Average$344,858 | Difference-$200,822 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$362,000 | Suburbs Average$336,512 | Difference-$25,488 | Cheapest SuburbEl Reno | Cheapest Average$212,648 | Difference-$149,352 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$1,325,628 | Suburbs Average$1,311,313 | Difference-$14,315 | Cheapest SuburbNational | Cheapest Average$640,178 | Difference-$685,450 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$413,960 | Suburbs Average$415,406 | Difference$1,446 | Cheapest SuburbGalena Park | Cheapest Average$177,064 | Difference-$236,896 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$365,517 | Suburbs Average$382,553 | Difference$17,036 | Cheapest SuburbConverse | Cheapest Average$265,055 | Difference-$100,462 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$363,606 | Suburbs Average$401,922 | Difference$38,316 | Cheapest SuburbBeech Grove | Cheapest Average$198,755 | Difference-$164,851 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$376,210 | Suburbs Average$459,403 | Difference$83,193 | Cheapest SuburbPenns Grove | Cheapest Average$80,350 | Difference-$295,860 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$840,715 | Suburbs Average$952,773 | Difference$112,058 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$447,923 | Difference-$392,792 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$387,052 | Suburbs Average$500,091 | Difference$113,039 | Cheapest SuburbCalumet | Cheapest Average$135,663 | Difference-$251,389 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$325,424 | Suburbs Average$459,120 | Difference$133,696 | Cheapest SuburbLondon | Cheapest Average$213,015 | Difference-$112,409 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$351,749 | Suburbs Average$489,325 | Difference$137,576 | Cheapest SuburbWhite Settlement | Cheapest Average$248,464 | Difference-$103,285 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$123,184 | Suburbs Average$296,442 | Difference$173,258 | Cheapest SuburbPontiac | Cheapest Average$116,836 | Difference-$6,348 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$554,692 | Suburbs Average$788,951 | Difference$234,259 | Cheapest SuburbEl Mirage | Cheapest Average$315,856 | Difference-$238,836 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$404,644 | Suburbs Average$776,498 | Difference$371,854 | Cheapest SuburbYulee | Cheapest Average$322,560 | Difference-$82,084 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$1,655,511 | Suburbs Average$2,441,527 | Difference$786,016 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$1,233,416 | Difference-$422,095 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$811,224 | Suburbs Average$766,915 | Difference-$44,309 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$368,723 | Difference-$442,501 |
The average five (or more) bedroom home in the 25 major cities analyzed costs $811,224, the most expensive of which is found in San Francisco ($2,593,958). In comparison, the average suburban 5+ bedroom home in the suburbs of these cities costs $766,915, an average difference of $44,309.
Washington DC has the largest difference between city and suburbs, with the average suburban 5+ bedroom home costing $707,709 less than in the city limits, and savings of nearly double of what can be saved in Dallas ($467,566).
Within Dallas’ city limits the average cost of a five (or more) bedroom home is $937,921, and 17.8 times the local median annual household income (the third-highest local income to price difference). Only Los Angeles (28.7x) and San Francisco (23.1x) have wider gaps between median household income and the cost of a five (or more) bedroom home within the city.
City & Suburb Rents
For many, rentals are the first (and in some cases) only way people can find a place of their own, especially in major cities where one-bedroom homes can be as much as nine times the median household income.
To understand more about rental costs in 25 of the most populated cities in the US, we analyzed Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) data to reveal the average rental costs of one to four (or more) bedroom homes in the major cities, and their nearby suburban city and towns.
Average Rental Cost In Each City
On average a major city rental will cost the average American $2,149 per month, with a move to a suburban city or town dropping the average monthly outlay to $2,107, a difference of $42 per month and 0.8% of the median household monthly income ($5,237).
This might not sound like a lot but as the chart below shows, the variation in the average costs can change city to city, with 20 of the 25 areas analyzed showing the suburbs to be at least an average of $200 cheaper per month.
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Average Rental Difference | City Rent % Median Income | Suburb Rent % Median Income |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$4,658 | Suburbs Average$4,093 | Average Rental Difference-$565 | City Rent % Median Income51.0% | Suburb Rent % Median Income44.8% |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$3,354 | Suburbs Average$2,983 | Average Rental Difference-$371 | City Rent % Median Income50.5% | Suburb Rent % Median Income44.9% |
CityBoston | Major City Average$2,787 | Suburbs Average$2,500 | Average Rental Difference-$286 | City Rent % Median Income47.0% | Suburb Rent % Median Income42.2% |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$1,896 | Suburbs Average$1,618 | Average Rental Difference-$278 | City Rent % Median Income36.2% | Suburb Rent % Median Income30.9% |
CityNew York | Major City Average$2,742 | Suburbs Average$2,526 | Average Rental Difference-$216 | City Rent % Median Income51.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income47.4% |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$1,282 | Suburbs Average$1,088 | Average Rental Difference-$194 | City Rent % Median Income32.3% | Suburb Rent % Median Income27.4% |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$3,026 | Suburbs Average$2,868 | Average Rental Difference-$159 | City Rent % Median Income39.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income37.3% |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$4,182 | Suburbs Average$4,041 | Average Rental Difference-$141 | City Rent % Median Income44.6% | Suburb Rent % Median Income43.1% |
CityDenver | Major City Average$2,121 | Suburbs Average$1,999 | Average Rental Difference-$122 | City Rent % Median Income37.1% | Suburb Rent % Median Income35.0% |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$1,515 | Suburbs Average$1,412 | Average Rental Difference-$104 | City Rent % Median Income33.8% | Suburb Rent % Median Income31.5% |
CityNashville | Major City Average$1,784 | Suburbs Average$1,700 | Average Rental Difference-$84 | City Rent % Median Income35.8% | Suburb Rent % Median Income34.1% |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$1,803 | Suburbs Average$1,778 | Average Rental Difference-$25 | City Rent % Median Income37.7% | Suburb Rent % Median Income37.1% |
CityAustin | Major City Average$1,984 | Suburbs Average$2,015 | Average Rental Difference$30 | City Rent % Median Income33.3% | Suburb Rent % Median Income33.8% |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$2,766 | Suburbs Average$2,820 | Average Rental Difference$54 | City Rent % Median Income53.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income54.5% |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$1,331 | Suburbs Average$1,392 | Average Rental Difference$61 | City Rent % Median Income33.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income34.9% |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$1,765 | Suburbs Average$1,841 | Average Rental Difference$76 | City Rent % Median Income34.1% | Suburb Rent % Median Income35.5% |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$2,530 | Suburbs Average$2,615 | Average Rental Difference$85 | City Rent % Median Income35.1% | Suburb Rent % Median Income36.3% |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$1,317 | Suburbs Average$1,412 | Average Rental Difference$95 | City Rent % Median Income51.2% | Suburb Rent % Median Income54.8% |
CityChicago | Major City Average$1,615 | Suburbs Average$1,752 | Average Rental Difference$137 | City Rent % Median Income33.3% | Suburb Rent % Median Income36.1% |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$1,601 | Suburbs Average$1,742 | Average Rental Difference$140 | City Rent % Median Income58.6% | Suburb Rent % Median Income63.7% |
CityDallas | Major City Average$1,695 | Suburbs Average$1,839 | Average Rental Difference$144 | City Rent % Median Income38.7% | Suburb Rent % Median Income42.0% |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$1,622 | Suburbs Average$1,771 | Average Rental Difference$149 | City Rent % Median Income37.1% | Suburb Rent % Median Income40.5% |
CityHouston | Major City Average$1,646 | Suburbs Average$1,800 | Average Rental Difference$154 | City Rent % Median Income37.7% | Suburb Rent % Median Income41.3% |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$1,175 | Suburbs Average$1,346 | Average Rental Difference$171 | City Rent % Median Income25.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income29.1% |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$1,522 | Suburbs Average$1,723 | Average Rental Difference$201 | City Rent % Median Income33.4% | Suburb Rent % Median Income37.8% |
CityAverage | Major City Average$2,149 | Suburbs Average$2,107 | Average Rental Difference-$42 | City Rent % Median Income41.0% | Suburb Rent % Median Income40.2% |
On average rentals in San Jos’s suburbs are $565 cheaper per month than in the inner city, with the monthly cost of a rental 51.0% of the median household (monthly) income but just 44.8% as an average in the suburban towns and cities.
San Diego ($371 per month) and Boston ($286) have the second and third biggest differences between average city and suburban rents per month, with those in San Diego seeing an 11.1% reduction when looking to rent outside the city.
To help reveal the costs of rentals in the cities analyzed and their suburban towns, we’ve further investigated the average cost of one, two, three, and four or more bedroom homes in each of the cites:
Average One Bedroom Rental
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | Difference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$3,614 | Suburbs Average$3,042 | Difference-$572 | Cheapest SuburbAlameda | Cheapest Average$1,880 | Difference-$1,734 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$2,238 | Suburbs Average$1,925 | Difference-$313 | Cheapest SuburbLemon Grove | Cheapest Average$700 | Difference-$1,538 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$2,192 | Suburbs Average$1,901 | Difference-$291 | Cheapest SuburbFort Lee | Cheapest Average$680 | Difference-$1,512 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$3,131 | Suburbs Average$2,900 | Difference-$231 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$1,988 | Difference-$1,144 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$1,367 | Suburbs Average$1,137 | Difference-$231 | Cheapest SuburbMount Holly | Cheapest Average$590 | Difference-$777 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$1,510 | Suburbs Average$1,361 | Difference-$149 | Cheapest SuburbLafayette | Cheapest Average$730 | Difference-$780 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$2,039 | Suburbs Average$1,890 | Difference-$148 | Cheapest SuburbRevere | Cheapest Average$770 | Difference-$1,269 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$898 | Suburbs Average$750 | Difference-$148 | Cheapest SuburbCanutillo | Cheapest Average$750 | Difference-$148 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$2,072 | Suburbs Average$1,959 | Difference-$113 | Cheapest SuburbPort Orchard | Cheapest Average$1,310 | Difference-$762 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$1,178 | Suburbs Average$1,079 | Difference-$99 | Cheapest SuburbLondon | Cheapest Average$875 | Difference-$303 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$1,308 | Suburbs Average$1,211 | Difference-$96 | Cheapest SuburbFranklin | Cheapest Average$917 | Difference-$391 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$1,266 | Suburbs Average$1,194 | Difference-$72 | Cheapest SuburbGoodyear | Cheapest Average$970 | Difference-$296 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$1,432 | Suburbs Average$1,443 | Difference$11 | Cheapest SuburbBuda | Cheapest Average$920 | Difference-$512 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$1,197 | Suburbs Average$1,208 | Difference$12 | Cheapest SuburbAzle | Cheapest Average$740 | Difference-$457 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$980 | Suburbs Average$1,004 | Difference$24 | Cheapest SuburbWestfield | Cheapest Average$670 | Difference-$310 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$1,182 | Suburbs Average$1,213 | Difference$30 | Cheapest SuburbSchertz | Cheapest Average$820 | Difference-$362 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$1,064 | Suburbs Average$1,097 | Difference$34 | Cheapest SuburbAuburn Hills | Cheapest Average$670 | Difference-$394 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$1,142 | Suburbs Average$1,187 | Difference$45 | Cheapest SuburbBedford | Cheapest Average$780 | Difference-$362 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$2,028 | Suburbs Average$2,091 | Difference$63 | Cheapest SuburbLomita | Cheapest Average$800 | Difference-$1,228 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$1,112 | Suburbs Average$1,186 | Difference$74 | Cheapest SuburbGalena Park | Cheapest Average$890 | Difference-$222 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$1,839 | Suburbs Average$1,919 | Difference$80 | Cheapest SuburbAnnandale | Cheapest Average$1,220 | Difference-$619 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$1,260 | Suburbs Average$1,360 | Difference$100 | Cheapest SuburbBerlin | Cheapest Average$950 | Difference-$310 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$1,072 | Suburbs Average$1,186 | Difference$114 | Cheapest SuburbFernandina Beach | Cheapest Average$900 | Difference-$172 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$1,143 | Suburbs Average$1,265 | Difference$122 | Cheapest SuburbElmhurst | Cheapest Average$780 | Difference-$363 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$790 | Suburbs Average$968 | Difference$178 | Cheapest SuburbGuthrie | Cheapest Average$790 | Difference$0 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$1,562 | Suburbs Average$1,499 | Difference-$63 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$924 | Difference-$639 |
San Jose has the biggest difference between city and suburban rent prices, the average inner-city one bedroom costing $572 more than in the suburbs, a city home costing the equivalent of 39.6% of the monthly median household income in the city.
On average, a one-bedroom in the cities analyzed costs $1,562 per month, with those in suburbs costing an average of $1,499 - a difference of $63 per month.
Our analysis found the suburbs of El Paso, Oklahoma, and Charlotte cost the least when compared to local median household incomes. Those in El Paso would pay just 18.9% of their monthly income on an average one-bedroom home in a suburban town or city, while those in Oklahoma would pay 20.9%, and Charlotte 21.7%.
Average Two Bedroom Rental
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | City-Suburb AvgDifference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | City-Cheapest Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$4,658 | Suburbs Average$3,993 | City-Suburb Avg-$666 | Cheapest SuburbAlameda | Cheapest Average$2,490 | City-Cheapest Difference-$2,168 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$3,146 | Suburbs Average$2,714 | City-Suburb Avg-$432 | Cheapest SuburbLemon Grove | Cheapest Average$940 | City-Cheapest Difference-$2,206 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$2,777 | Suburbs Average$2,423 | City-Suburb Avg-$353 | Cheapest SuburbFort Lee | Cheapest Average$850 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,927 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$1,797 | Suburbs Average$1,478 | City-Suburb Avg-$319 | Cheapest SuburbMount Holly | Cheapest Average$790 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,007 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$4,103 | Suburbs Average$3,808 | City-Suburb Avg-$295 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$2,650 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,453 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$2,042 | Suburbs Average$1,843 | City-Suburb Avg-$199 | Cheapest SuburbLafayette | Cheapest Average$950 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,092 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$1,243 | Suburbs Average$1,060 | City-Suburb Avg-$183 | Cheapest SuburbCanutillo | Cheapest Average$1,060 | City-Cheapest Difference-$183 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$1,542 | Suburbs Average$1,366 | City-Suburb Avg-$176 | Cheapest SuburbLondon | Cheapest Average$1,110 | City-Cheapest Difference-$432 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$2,546 | Suburbs Average$2,375 | City-Suburb Avg-$171 | Cheapest SuburbRevere | Cheapest Average$960 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,586 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$2,937 | Suburbs Average$2,780 | City-Suburb Avg-$157 | Cheapest SuburbPort Orchard | Cheapest Average$1,850 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,087 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$1,681 | Suburbs Average$1,562 | City-Suburb Avg-$120 | Cheapest SuburbFranklin | Cheapest Average$1,190 | City-Cheapest Difference-$491 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$1,787 | Suburbs Average$1,679 | City-Suburb Avg-$108 | Cheapest SuburbGoodyear | Cheapest Average$1,320 | City-Cheapest Difference-$467 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$1,592 | Suburbs Average$1,597 | City-Suburb Avg$5 | Cheapest SuburbAzle | Cheapest Average$985 | City-Cheapest Difference-$607 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$1,862 | Suburbs Average$1,884 | City-Suburb Avg$23 | Cheapest SuburbBuda | Cheapest Average$1,180 | City-Cheapest Difference-$682 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$1,533 | Suburbs Average$1,572 | City-Suburb Avg$39 | Cheapest SuburbSchertz | Cheapest Average$1,070 | City-Cheapest Difference-$463 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$1,388 | Suburbs Average$1,437 | City-Suburb Avg$50 | Cheapest SuburbAuburn Hills | Cheapest Average$960 | City-Cheapest Difference-$428 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$1,297 | Suburbs Average$1,357 | City-Suburb Avg$60 | Cheapest SuburbWestfield | Cheapest Average$880 | City-Cheapest Difference-$417 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$1,485 | Suburbs Average$1,559 | City-Suburb Avg$74 | Cheapest SuburbBedford | Cheapest Average$1,035 | City-Cheapest Difference-$450 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$1,489 | Suburbs Average$1,587 | City-Suburb Avg$98 | Cheapest SuburbGalena Park | Cheapest Average$1,150 | City-Cheapest Difference-$339 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$2,366 | Suburbs Average$2,465 | City-Suburb Avg$99 | Cheapest SuburbAnnandale | Cheapest Average$1,590 | City-Cheapest Difference-$776 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$2,704 | Suburbs Average$2,802 | City-Suburb Avg$99 | Cheapest SuburbLomita | Cheapest Average$1,070 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,634 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$1,567 | Suburbs Average$1,691 | City-Suburb Avg$124 | Cheapest SuburbBerlin | Cheapest Average$1,180 | City-Cheapest Difference-$387 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$1,470 | Suburbs Average$1,634 | City-Suburb Avg$164 | Cheapest SuburbWilmette | Cheapest Average$1,030 | City-Cheapest Difference-$440 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$1,410 | Suburbs Average$1,574 | City-Suburb Avg$164 | Cheapest SuburbFernandina Beach | Cheapest Average$1,180 | City-Cheapest Difference-$230 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$982 | Suburbs Average$1,306 | City-Suburb Avg$324 | Cheapest SuburbGuthrie | Cheapest Average$1,070 | City-Cheapest Difference$88 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$2,056 | Suburbs Average$1,982 | City-Suburb Avg-$74 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$1,222 | City-Cheapest Difference-$835 |
On average two-bedroom homes in the cities analyzed cost $2,056 per month, with a two-bedroom in the suburban towns and cities analyzed costing $1,982 - a difference of $74 per month.
The best value for looking at the suburbs over the city itself are found in San Jose, San Diego, and New York, where residents could save as much as $666 (San Jose).
For those looking to spend the least share of their monthly salary, the best deals can be found in El Paso, where the average suburban two-bedroom rental costs just 26.7% of the local monthly median household income ($3,964).
Average Three Bedroom Rental
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | City-Suburb AvgDifference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | City-Cheapest Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$3,842 | Suburbs Average$3,322 | City-Suburb Avg-$520 | Cheapest SuburbLemonGrove | Cheapest Average$1,080 | City-Cheapest Difference-$2,762 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$5,062 | Suburbs Average$4,545 | City-Suburb Avg-$517 | Cheapest SuburbAlameda | Cheapest Average$3,065 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,997 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$2,233 | Suburbs Average$1,795 | City-Suburb Avg-$439 | Cheapest SuburbMountHolly | Cheapest Average$960 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,273 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$4,731 | Suburbs Average$4,350 | City-Suburb Avg-$381 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$3,193 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,539 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$1,890 | Suburbs Average$1,575 | City-Suburb Avg-$315 | Cheapest SuburbLondon | Cheapest Average$1,255 | City-Cheapest Difference-$635 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$2,305 | Suburbs Average$2,087 | City-Suburb Avg-$218 | Cheapest SuburbLafayette | Cheapest Average$1,010 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,295 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$1,480 | Suburbs Average$1,270 | City-Suburb Avg-$210 | Cheapest SuburbCanutillo | Cheapest Average$1,270 | City-Cheapest Difference-$210 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$2,985 | Suburbs Average$2,792 | City-Suburb Avg-$194 | Cheapest SuburbFort Lee | Cheapest Average$940 | City-Cheapest Difference-$2,045 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$3,454 | Suburbs Average$3,268 | City-Suburb Avg-$186 | Cheapest SuburbPortOrchard | Cheapest Average$2,135 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,319 |
CityBoston | Major City Average$2,795 | Suburbs Average$2,638 | City-Suburb Avg-$157 | Cheapest SuburbRevere | Cheapest Average$1,080 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,715 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$2,040 | Suburbs Average$1,903 | City-Suburb Avg-$138 | Cheapest SuburbFranklin | Cheapest Average$1,417 | City-Cheapest Difference-$624 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$2,038 | Suburbs Average$1,915 | City-Suburb Avg-$123 | Cheapest SuburbGoodyear | Cheapest Average$1,485 | City-Cheapest Difference-$553 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$1,995 | Suburbs Average$2,014 | City-Suburb Avg$19 | Cheapest SuburbAzle | Cheapest Average$1,195 | City-Cheapest Difference-$800 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$1,900 | Suburbs Average$1,936 | City-Suburb Avg$36 | Cheapest SuburbSchertz | Cheapest Average$1,260 | City-Cheapest Difference-$640 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$2,222 | Suburbs Average$2,266 | City-Suburb Avg$44 | Cheapest SuburbBuda | Cheapest Average$1,480 | City-Cheapest Difference-$742 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$1,488 | Suburbs Average$1,543 | City-Suburb Avg$54 | Cheapest SuburbWestfield | Cheapest Average$930 | City-Cheapest Difference-$558 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$1,536 | Suburbs Average$1,597 | City-Suburb Avg$61 | Cheapest SuburbAuburnHills | Cheapest Average$1,160 | City-Cheapest Difference-$376 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$2,861 | Suburbs Average$2,975 | City-Suburb Avg$114 | Cheapest SuburbAnnandale | Cheapest Average$1,950 | City-Cheapest Difference-$911 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$2,967 | Suburbs Average$3,090 | City-Suburb Avg$123 | Cheapest SuburbLomita | Cheapest Average$1,230 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,737 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$1,857 | Suburbs Average$1,997 | City-Suburb Avg$141 | Cheapest SuburbGalenaPark | Cheapest Average$1,300 | City-Cheapest Difference-$557 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$1,835 | Suburbs Average$1,978 | City-Suburb Avg$142 | Cheapest SuburbBedford | Cheapest Average$1,230 | City-Cheapest Difference-$605 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$1,794 | Suburbs Average$1,938 | City-Suburb Avg$144 | Cheapest SuburbBerlin | Cheapest Average$1,350 | City-Cheapest Difference-$444 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$1,775 | Suburbs Average$1,986 | City-Suburb Avg$211 | Cheapest SuburbFernandina beach | Cheapest Average$1,500 | City-Cheapest Difference-$275 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$1,326 | Suburbs Average$1,573 | City-Suburb Avg$247 | Cheapest SuburbGuthrie | Cheapest Average$1,260 | City-Cheapest Difference-$66 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$1,699 | Suburbs Average$1,972 | City-Suburb Avg$273 | Cheapest SuburbWilmette | Cheapest Average$1,140 | City-Cheapest Difference-$559 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$2,404 | Suburbs Average$2,333 | City-Suburb Avg-$71 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$1,435 | City-Cheapest Difference-$969 |
The city with the biggest difference between city cost and the average suburban cost is San Diego, where residents that look a little further out can find three-bedroom homes for $520 less per month ($3,322).
On average three-bedroom in the 25 cities analyzed cost an average of $2,404 per month, 45.9% of the national monthly median household income. While the suburban towns and cities near the major cities cost an average of $2,333 - a difference of $71 per month.
El Paso has the cheapest suburbs of cities analyzed, the average cost of a three-bedroom rental near the city costing $1,270 per month, 32.0% of the median monthly household income. The most expensive being found in San Jose ($4,545), though it is still $517 cheaper than the city cost.
Average Four (Or More) Bedroom Rental
City | Major City Average | Suburbs Average | City-Suburb AvgDifference | Cheapest Suburb | Cheapest Average | City-Cheapest Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CityBoston | Major City Average$3,766 | Suburbs Average$3,097 | City-Suburb Avg-$669 | Cheapest SuburbLawrence | Cheapest Average$1,893 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,873 |
CitySan Jose | Major City Average$5,299 | Suburbs Average$4,791 | City-Suburb Avg-$507 | Cheapest SuburbRichmond | Cheapest Average$3,433 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,865 |
CityEl Paso | Major City Average$1,506 | Suburbs Average$1,270 | City-Suburb Avg-$236 | Cheapest SuburbCanutillo | Cheapest Average$1,270 | City-Cheapest Difference-$236 |
CitySan Diego | Major City Average$4,188 | Suburbs Average$3,969 | City-Suburb Avg-$219 | Cheapest SuburbLakeside | Cheapest Average$3,220 | City-Cheapest Difference-$968 |
CitySeattle | Major City Average$3,643 | Suburbs Average$3,464 | City-Suburb Avg-$179 | Cheapest SuburbBremerton | Cheapest Average$2,240 | City-Cheapest Difference-$1,403 |
CityCharlotte | Major City Average$2,187 | Suburbs Average$2,063 | City-Suburb Avg-$124 | Cheapest SuburbMount Holly | Cheapest Average$1,580 | City-Cheapest Difference-$607 |
CityLos Angeles | Major City Average$3,366 | Suburbs Average$3,296 | City-Suburb Avg-$69 | Cheapest SuburbSouth ElMonte | Cheapest Average$2,580 | City-Cheapest Difference-$786 |
CityOklahoma | Major City Average$1,600 | Suburbs Average$1,537 | City-Suburb Avg-$63 | Cheapest SuburbGuthrie | Cheapest Average$1,360 | City-Cheapest Difference-$240 |
CityNew York | Major City Average$3,013 | Suburbs Average$2,987 | City-Suburb Avg-$26 | Cheapest SuburbElizabeth | Cheapest Average$2,268 | City-Cheapest Difference-$746 |
CityChicago | Major City Average$2,148 | Suburbs Average$2,137 | City-Suburb Avg-$10 | Cheapest SuburbHammond | Cheapest Average$1,288 | City-Cheapest Difference-$860 |
CityNashville | Major City Average$2,108 | Suburbs Average$2,126 | City-Suburb Avg$18 | Cheapest SuburbGallatin | Cheapest Average$1,680 | City-Cheapest Difference-$428 |
CityAustin | Major City Average$2,421 | Suburbs Average$2,465 | City-Suburb Avg$44 | Cheapest SuburbLockhart | Cheapest Average$1,920 | City-Cheapest Difference-$501 |
CityWashington DC | Major City Average$3,052 | Suburbs Average$3,100 | City-Suburb Avg$48 | Cheapest SuburbHyattsville | Cheapest Average$2,080 | City-Cheapest Difference-$972 |
CityDenver | Major City Average$2,626 | Suburbs Average$2,705 | City-Suburb Avg$79 | Cheapest SuburbWheat Ridge | Cheapest Average$2,240 | City-Cheapest Difference-$386 |
CityIndianapolis | Major City Average$1,559 | Suburbs Average$1,665 | City-Suburb Avg$106 | Cheapest SuburbLebanon | Cheapest Average$1,300 | City-Cheapest Difference-$259 |
CityColumbus | Major City Average$1,451 | Suburbs Average$1,627 | City-Suburb Avg$176 | Cheapest SuburbLancaster | Cheapest Average$1,310 | City-Cheapest Difference-$141 |
CityPhiladelphia | Major City Average$1,784 | Suburbs Average$1,977 | City-Suburb Avg$194 | Cheapest SuburbBellmawr | Cheapest Average$1,410 | City-Cheapest Difference-$374 |
CityPhoenix | Major City Average$2,122 | Suburbs Average$2,325 | City-Suburb Avg$203 | Cheapest SuburbEl Mirage | Cheapest Average$1,830 | City-Cheapest Difference-$292 |
CityDetroit | Major City Average$1,282 | Suburbs Average$1,516 | City-Suburb Avg$234 | Cheapest SuburbWayne | Cheapest Average$1,240 | City-Cheapest Difference-$42 |
CityFort Worth | Major City Average$2,278 | Suburbs Average$2,545 | City-Suburb Avg$267 | Cheapest SuburbAzle | Cheapest Average$1,810 | City-Cheapest Difference-$468 |
CityHouston | Major City Average$2,128 | Suburbs Average$2,429 | City-Suburb Avg$300 | Cheapest SuburbSouth Houston | Cheapest Average$1,700 | City-Cheapest Difference-$428 |
CityDallas | Major City Average$2,317 | Suburbs Average$2,632 | City-Suburb Avg$314 | Cheapest SuburbBalch Springs | Cheapest Average$2,080 | City-Cheapest Difference-$237 |
CityJacksonville | Major City Average$1,831 | Suburbs Average$2,146 | City-Suburb Avg$315 | Cheapest SuburbAtlantic beach | Cheapest Average$1,980 | City-Cheapest Difference$149 |
CitySan Francisco | Major City Average$4,765 | Suburbs Average$5,107 | City-Suburb Avg$342 | Cheapest SuburbHayward | Cheapest Average$3,960 | City-Cheapest Difference-$805 |
CitySan Antonio | Major City Average$1,872 | Suburbs Average$2,363 | City-Suburb Avg$491 | Cheapest SuburbConverse | Cheapest Average$2,170 | City-Cheapest Difference$298 |
CityAverage | Major City Average$2,572 | Suburbs Average$2,614 | City-Suburb Avg$41 | Cheapest SuburbAverage | Cheapest Average$1,994 | City-Cheapest Difference-$579 |
The average four-bedroom (or more) rental across the area analyzed is (on average) $41 per month more in the suburbs than in the major city. While the average city four-bedroom rental costs $2,572 per month, in the suburban towns and cities analyzed the cost was $2,614.
That said, in Boston, a move to the suburbs can save $669, and spend just 52.3% of the median monthly income. San Jose ($507) and El Paso ($236) have the second and third biggest savings when moving to the suburbs.
Methodology & Sources
Methodology:
House price data was collated using Zillow data covering the first three months of 2021. ‘Suburb cities’ were plotted within a radius of 25 miles from the major city and analyzed based on a population cap of greater than 10,000 and below 250,000. Where some ‘suburbs’ lacked house price data, we excluded results to ensure average figures were not impacted.
Rental data was sourced from huduser.gov where we matched zipcodes against each city located during the house price search to produce and average per city. Where rental data was unavailable or zip codes did not match, the suburb was omitted from the rental search.
The major cities were chosen based on being the most populated in the US.
Percentages and times values were rounded to one decimal place (xx.x), to better explain and show variance between values.
Latest [2] median income for each city major city analyzed:
City | Household Median Yearly Income | Household Median Monthly Income |
---|---|---|
CityNational | Household Median Yearly Income$62,843.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,236.92 |
CityAustin | Household Median Yearly Income$71,576.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,964.67 |
CityBoston | Household Median Yearly Income$71,115.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,926.25 |
CityCharlotte | Household Median Yearly Income$62,817.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,234.75 |
CityChicago | Household Median Yearly Income$58,247.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,853.92 |
CityColumbus | Household Median Yearly Income$53,745.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,478.75 |
CityDallas | Household Median Yearly Income$52,580.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,381.67 |
CityDenver | Household Median Yearly Income$68,592.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,716.00 |
CityDetroit | Household Median Yearly Income$30,894.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$2,574.50 |
CityEl Paso | Household Median Yearly Income$47,568.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$3,964.00 |
CityFort Worth | Household Median Yearly Income$62,187.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,182.25 |
CityHouston | Household Median Yearly Income$52,338.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,361.50 |
CityIndianapolis | Household Median Yearly Income$47,873.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$3,989.42 |
CityJacksonville | Household Median Yearly Income$54,701.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,558.42 |
CityLos Angeles | Household Median Yearly Income$62,142.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,178.50 |
CityNashville | Household Median Yearly Income$59,828.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,985.67 |
CityNew York | Household Median Yearly Income$63,998.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$5,333.17 |
CityOklahoma | Household Median Yearly Income$55,557.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,629.75 |
CityPhiladelphia | Household Median Yearly Income$32,818.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$2,734.83 |
CityPhoenix | Household Median Yearly Income$57,459.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,788.25 |
CitySan Antonio | Household Median Yearly Income$52,455.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$4,371.25 |
CitySan Diego | Household Median Yearly Income$79,673.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$6,639.42 |
CitySan Francisco | Household Median Yearly Income$112,449.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$9,370.75 |
CitySan Jose | Household Median Yearly Income$109,593.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$9,132.75 |
CitySeattle | Household Median Yearly Income$92,263.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$7,688.58 |
CityWashington DC | Household Median Yearly Income$86,420.00 | Household Median Monthly Income$7,201.67 |