Where to Find the Cheapest Places to Live in New England

New England attracts people seeking scenic beauty and outdoor recreation—from autumn foliage to winter skiing and summer hiking trails. However, the region’s median home prices can be steep. According to data from Redfin, Massachusetts has a median home sale price of $577,400, while Rhode Island sits at $452,200, Connecticut at $380,400, and New Hampshire at $440,300. The four-state average reaches $462,575. Yet within New England, several towns offer significantly lower housing costs without sacrificing quality of life or community character. Below are seven of the cheapest places to live in New England, ranked by home prices.

Berlin, New Hampshire - The Most Affordable Option

Berlin tops the list as New England’s cheapest option for homebuyers. Homes here have a median sale price of just $180,000, the lowest among our selections. The price per square foot averages $131, far below regional standards. Renters can find median monthly apartments for around $1,267. This small town is recognized by Clever Real Estate as the best small town in the region, offering outdoor activities including skiing, municipal parks, museums, fishing, hunting, snowmobile trails, and biking paths. Berlin demonstrates that significant savings are possible while maintaining access to recreational amenities.

Waterbury, Connecticut - Budget-Friendly City Living

Waterbury presents an alternative to Berlin with more urban amenities. The median home price reaches $240,000, with property values averaging $186 per square foot. Median rent runs approximately $1,400 monthly, and household income averages $51,451. The city features cultural attractions including Mattatuck Museum, Seven Angels Theater, Palace Theater, Brass Works Brewing Company, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This Connecticut city offers the cheapest urban-style living in the region while maintaining access to dining, entertainment, and cultural institutions.

Torrington, Connecticut - Best Overall Affordable Community

Torrington earned recognition from Clever Real Estate as the best overall affordable option, with a median home price of $275,000. Square footage costs average $191, with median rent at $1,350. The town combines affordability with notable attractions: Warner Theatre, Hotchkis-Flyler House Museum, Torrington Historical Museum, Kidsplay Children’s Museum, and Burr Pond State Park. This community represents a balanced choice for those seeking lower housing costs and community engagement opportunities.

Naugatuck, Connecticut - Family-Friendly Pricing

Naugatuck, identified as best for families, features homes with a median sale price of $286,500 and prices at $188 per square foot. Median rent costs $1,941. Beyond affordability, families appreciate nearby amenities: historical sites, Hop Brook Golf Course, and Whittemore Glen State Park. The town provides suburban character at prices lower than surrounding areas, making it attractive for households seeking both budget and community resources.

Lewiston, Maine - Renter-Focused Affordability

For renters, Lewiston offers compelling value. The median home sale price sits at $269,000 with $188 per square foot pricing. More significantly, median rent runs just $1,500, the lowest rental cost among larger communities. Clever Real Estate highlights Lewiston as best for renters. The city provides access to the Androscoggin River, Bates College cultural programming, Schaeffer Theatre, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, and the annual Great Falls Balloon Festival. Renters gain affordability alongside cultural and outdoor options.

Rochester, New Hampshire - Modest Pricing with Senior Appeal

Rochester offers moderate affordability compared to earlier options, with a median home price of $330,000 and $259 per square foot. While median rent reaches $2,200, Clever Real Estate recognizes Rochester as best for seniors. Downtown shops, walking trails, playgrounds, pools, public parks, the Downtown River Walk, and Disc Golf create an active community environment suitable for retirees seeking lower housing costs than New England averages.

Warren, Rhode Island - Up-and-Coming Value

Warren concludes our list with a median home price of $462,500—approaching the regional average but offering emerging value. New England.com recognizes it as an up-and-coming food town, with property averaging $278 per square foot and median rent at $1,800. Attractions include Warren River, Historic Maxwell House, Masonic Temple, Marble’s Blacksmith Shop + Hall, and the Historic Marker for the Royal Pokanoket Burial Ground at Burr’s Hill. The town’s growing food scene and historical character appeal to buyers seeking character with moderate cost advantages.

Finding Your Cheapest New England Option

The seven towns above demonstrate that affordable New England living exists across multiple states. Berlin, New Hampshire, offers the lowest overall costs, while Connecticut communities provide budget options with more urban amenities. Maine appeals to renters through lower rental markets, and Rhode Island provides value for those prioritizing community character. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize homeownership, renting, urban access, or family resources. Comparing these cheapest locations reveals that New England affordability concentrates in smaller towns and secondary cities, where you can still access the region’s outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and quality of life while spending significantly less than New England’s median prices.