You Don’t Have to Be a Student to Enjoy These Budget-Friendly College Towns

College towns offer more than just classrooms and campus life. These communities are often packed with local restaurants, cultural events, walkable neighborhoods, and a lively atmosphere that appeals to far more than just students. For travelers and potential movers alike, they can deliver a unique mix of energy and charm.

The best part is that many of these destinations remain surprisingly affordable. From rent prices to everyday costs, these college towns make it easier to enjoy everything they have to offer without stretching your budget. Here are some of the most affordable university towns where you can experience the lifestyle without being enrolled.

Champaign, Illinois

• Median home value: $191,200 (3.3 times income)
• Median household income: $58,273
• Total population: 88,628

Glassboro, New Jersey

• Median home value: $256,900 (3.3 times income)
• Median household income: $78,518
• Total population: 23,014

Kirksville, Missouri

• Median home value: $133,100 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $41,089
• Total population: 17,533

St. Peter, Minnesota

• Median home value: $217,400 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $67,255
• Total population: 12,039

Troy, New York

• Median home value: $177,100 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $54,837
• Total population: 51,268

Keene, New Hampshire

• Median home value: $221,400 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $69,381
• Total population: 22,907

Edwardsville, Illinois

• Median home value: $277,000 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $87,094
• Total population: 26,622

Plattsburgh, New York

• Median home value: $172,900 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $55,049
• Total population: 19,907

Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Median home value: $152,700 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $48,649
• Total population: 73,342

Indiana, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $124,100 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $40,013
• Total population: 14,082

Lubbock, Texas

• Median home value: $181,600 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $58,734
• Total population: 258,190

Berea, Kentucky

• Median home value: $167,200 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $54,481
• Total population: 15,404

Bourbonnais, Illinois

• Median home value: $238,000 (3.1 times income)
• Median household income: $77,738
• Total population: 18,125

Normal, Illinois

• Median home value: $194,400 (3.0 times income)
• Median household income: $63,965
• Total population: 52,920

Macomb, Illinois

• Median home value: $103,800 (3.0 times income)
• Median household income: $35,064
• Total population: 15,207

Meadville, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $136,200 (3.0 times income)
• Median household income: $46,157
• Total population: 12,929

Huntington, West Virginia

• Median home value: $114,800 (2.9 times income)
• Median household income: $39,066
• Total population: 46,637

Canyon, Texas

• Median home value: $198,600 (2.9 times income)
• Median household income: $67,631
• Total population: 15,089

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $171,800 (2.9 times income)
• Median household income: $60,187
• Total population: 303,843

Williamsport, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $136,400 (2.8 times income)
• Median household income: $48,388
• Total population: 27,755

Binghamton, New York

• Median home value: $117,400 (2.8 times income)
• Median household income: $42,031
• Total population: 47,617

Pella, Iowa

• Median home value: $240,100 (2.8 times income)
• Median household income: $86,025
• Total population: 10,556

Oneonta, New York

• Median home value: $170,900 (2.7 times income)
• Median household income: $62,188
• Total population: 14,097

Syracuse, New York

• Median home value: $117,900 (2.7 times income)
• Median household income: $43,584
• Total population: 146,134

Waverly, Iowa

• Median home value: $211,000 (2.7 times income)
• Median household income: $78,278
• Total population: 10,399

Marshall, Missouri

• Median home value: $137,100 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $52,171
• Total population: 13,687

Carnot-Moon, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $231,900 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $89,573
• Total population: 13,345

Charleston, Illinois

• Median home value: $122,700 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $47,533
• Total population: 17,795

Tiffin, Ohio

• Median home value: $123,600 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $48,869
• Total population: 17,894

Emporia, Kansas

• Median home value: $125,200 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $49,661
• Total population: 24,118

Portales, New Mexico

• Median home value: $124,000 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $49,313
• Total population: 12,085

Brent, Florida

• Median home value: $106,500 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $44,053
• Total population: 22,969

University Heights, Ohio

• Median home value: $209,800 (2.3 times income)
• Median household income: $91,960
• Total population: 13,649

Atchison, Kansas

• Median home value: $113,900 (2.3 times income)
• Median household income: $50,344
• Total population: 10,834

Muncie, Indiana

• Median home value: $88,000 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $40,309
• Total population: 65,167

Geneva, New York

• Median home value: $123,100 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $63,602
• Total population: 12,670