It seems like stories abound about how crime rates in the U.S. are rising and costs are going up. However, there are places that are relatively more safe than others. According to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), violent crime fell sharply in many major cities this year, and in some instances more than 25% compared to 2024.
If crime rates in cities are going down and supposedly safer, does that mean that Americans can afford to live there?
To help, we’ve looked at cities where crime rates have dropped the most in 2025 and compared it to costs like housing and everyday expenses against national medians, using federal data and other reputable sources. And while you’re weighing your options, check out this list of affordable cities with great healthcare.
Oakland, California
Oakland had some of the largest crime declines in the U.S. in 2025. In fact, according to MCCA data, major violent crime went down around 30% year over year.
However, Oakland isn’t exactly considered affordable. Zillow’s Home Value Index puts housing prices at an average of $690,000 in the city, which is way above the U.S. median home price of $440,000.
For renters, typical rental prices are also above the U.S. median price, around 15% higher.
When it comes to everyday costs, California ranks among the most expensive states for groceries and gas, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
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Orlando, Florida
The city known as the home of Walt Disney World saw violent crime drop by around 25%, one of the highest in the country.
When it comes to affordability, Orlando feels more affordable in some ways, and in others, not so much. As far as home values go, Zillow places it at about $370,000, which is lower than the national median. Rent is also about the same as the U.S. median.
As for everyday prices, gas prices tend to be lower than the national average and grocery prices are around the same as what you’d pay elsewhere.
Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. isn’t exactly known for its affordability, but its violent crime rate did drop by 25% by mid-2025, which is worth noting after years of higher crime rates. Unfortunately, average home prices sit at around $570,000, which is much higher than the national median. Rent is also high, about 30% higher than the national average, according to Apartments.com.
You guessed it: Groceries are higher than average. But gas prices are around average of what you’d pay elsewhere. Still, overall expenses are higher than what many would consider “affordable.”
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is also another city with around a 25% drop in violent crime rates, one of the steepest drops in a Southern city. When it comes to housing, it’s more affordable. Zillow notes its average home value is about $393,099, which is lower than the national median. Rent is about 11% lower than the national average, looking at Apartments.com data.
As for everyday prices, gas and grocery prices are on par or slightly below national averages. So Charlotte could be affordable for you depending on your income and financial health.
Newark, New Jersey
Newark’s crime rates seem to point to longer-term improvement trends. In 2025, its violent crime rate went down by more than 22%. However, Newark isn’t exactly considered affordable, probably because of its proximity to New York City.
Still, home prices aren’t that much higher than the national median with an average of $476,166. Rent though, is slightly lower than what you’d find in many cities across the U.S. Everyday costs are also slightly higher than the national average.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has a roughly 23% drop in violent crime. And an advantage is that it has some of the lowest expenses on this list. The average home price in Indianapolis is $248,414, well below the national median. Rent is also slightly lower than many major cities. You’ll probably also find that grocery prices are very affordable, and gas prices consistently rank as some of the lowest in the country.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Cities Where Crime Rates Dropped the Most in 2025 — Are They Affordable?
