The 6 Best Affordable Big American Cities Can't stomach NYC or LA? Look to Boston, Portland By Arden Dier, Newser Staff Posted Sep 23, 2016 7:51 AM CDT 11 comments Comments The sunset illuminates clouds over Boston harbor on Oct. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Newser) – Living in a big city doesn't have to blow the budget. Money has identified the best affordable city in each of six US regions. Those chosen have a population of at least 300,000, and factors like affordable housing, job growth, low crime, green space, and good schools were considered. The winners: Northeast: Boston, Mass. Southeast: Raleigh, NC Midwest: Columbus, Ohio South: Arlington, Texas Mountains: Colorado Springs, Colo. West: Portland, Ore. Click to see what these cities have to offer, or check out the best small cities to call home. My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 11% Hilarious 56% Intriguing 4% Depressing 11% Brilliant 0% Scary 19% Ridiculous