I Asked ChatGPT Which US Cities Will Be Most Affordable by 2027 — Here’s What It Said
- - I Asked ChatGPT Which US Cities Will Be Most Affordable by 2027 — Here’s What It Said
Laura BeckDecember 28, 2025 at 6:05 AM
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Housing costs keep climbing in most American cities, so I asked ChatGPT which places might actually stay affordable over the next few years. The AI analyzed current trends in housing prices, income levels and cost of living to predict which cities will give you the most bang for your buck by 2027.
The answer wasn’t what I expected. Forget the usual suspects you see on “cheap cities” lists. ChatGPT identified specific metros where affordability looks sustainable, not just temporarily low.
What Affordable Actually Means
ChatGPT started by defining what makes a city truly affordable. It’s not just about finding the lowest rent possible. The AI explained that real affordability combines housing costs significantly below the national average, a favorable ratio between housing prices and local incomes, stable prices that won’t suddenly spike and a diversified economy that keeps demand steady without causing price explosions.
This definition matters because plenty of cities look cheap until you realize there are no jobs or the housing stock is falling apart.
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Detroit Tops the List
ChatGPT’s number one pick was Detroit. According to 2025 rankings, Detroit remains the most affordable large U.S. city when you factor in overall cost of living among major metros.
The chatbot pointed out that median home prices per square foot in Detroit are extremely low compared to other major cities. If local incomes stay stable or grow modestly, Detroit could continue offering big-city amenities at small-town prices through 2027.
The AI did acknowledge that economic revitalization and safety concerns will affect whether this prediction holds up. But the basic math looks good for affordability.
Pittsburgh Offers Value With Stability
Pittsburgh ranked near the top for affordable homebuying markets in 2025. ChatGPT emphasized that housing costs for buyers remain relatively low compared to many metros, making it viable for retirees, families or younger people wanting value plus amenities.
The AI predicted that if Pittsburgh maintains its infrastructure, job market and services, it’s a strong candidate for remaining affordable but livable through 2027. Unlike some cheap cities that lack basic services, Pittsburgh has the bones of a major city without the California price tag.
Indianapolis and El Paso Look Promising
ChatGPT identified Indianapolis as a city where housing costs consume a relatively low share of household income. The chatbot liked Indianapolis for its mid-size metro advantages including less congestion than bigger cities while maintaining decent infrastructure and amenities.
El Paso, Texas, got called out specifically for having one of the lowest housing cost burdens among major U.S. cities for both renters and homeowners in 2025. The AI suggested El Paso could be especially appealing for retirees, remote workers or anyone prioritizing affordability over everything else.
The Southwest Option
Albuquerque, New Mexico, made ChatGPT’s list based on rankings showing low housing costs as a percentage of income in 2025. The chatbot pointed out that Albuquerque offers a moderate climate, outdoor surroundings and manageable living expenses. It’s the balance that makes it work.
The Midwest Budget Options
Fort Wayne in Indiana and Wichita in Kansas both appeared on ChatGPT’s 2025 list of most affordable U.S. cities. The AI noted these cities work for people aiming for modest to middle-class lifestyles or retirees on fixed budgets.
For people open to Midwest living, these cities offer practicality. Lower expenses, less competition for housing and likely lower price fluctuations than coastal cities all work in your favor.
What Could Ruin These Predictions
ChatGPT warned that no city stays affordable forever. Rising demand from remote workers and retirees could drive up housing prices by 2027. Local economies and job markets matter because affordability only helps if you can find work that pays decent wages.
The AI also mentioned that regional inflation, property taxes and utility costs might rise faster than expected. Cheaper cities sometimes have fewer amenities, lower public service funding or other tradeoffs like extreme weather or less cultural variety.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT Which US Cities Will Be Most Affordable by 2027 — Here’s What It Said
Source: “AOL Money”
