If you’ve been searching for the cheapest state to buy land in, you’ve come to the right place. Looking for and buying land as an investment in the long term has some of the best options for you when it comes to the cheapest place to buy land in the United States.  Affordability is key when your focus is either building your dream home, an off the grid resort, or a piece of America only to hold for appreciation. So, let’s find out what are the cheapest states to buy land in the United States by breaking down the top low cost states for land buyers, factors that influence land prices, and where to find land deals you can trust.

The Role Affordability Plays In Land Trades

Rural land has seen an increase in value as cities are expanding and more remote work is opening up, but land is limited and you may miss your chance to acquire your dream lot in any of the cheapest place to buy land in the United States. Cheapest land to buy in the United States doesn’t just save you money, it increases the Return on your investment over time. If you’re wise enough and buy land at a cheaper price early, it means that:

• You don’t have to pay very high property taxes. The cheaper the land, the lower the property taxes.
• If the land is cheap, you don’t have to go through the hassle of finding ways to finance it so your financing needs automatically reduce.
• Since the U.S has a steadily growing population, it means that remote/cheap land you buy right now may get populated sooner than you think, this means that there’s a higher potential for appreciation. 

So, now to answer your question “What is the cheapest state to buy land?” We’ll talk about the top states that are the cheapest to buy land 2026.

What State Is The Cheapest To Buy Land In

1. Arkansas

Arkansas can easily be found around the top of the “cheapest state to buy land per acre” list, cause of its ability of bringing value for money. This state is an affordable jewel, shining in the south of the U.S. as it offers lush green landscapes, lakes, rivers, and a low cost of living which is altogether perfect for nature lovers, retirees, and farmers. There are multiple reasons to end your search with lots in Arkansas since,

• It offers residential lots available under $1,000
• The price per acre can be as low as anything between $2,400 to $3,700 for crop land.
• Tax rates are as low as 0.61% avg. effective rate
•  You can easily find land offering the option for owner financing

A pretty good example can be communities like Cherokee Village in Arkansas which are attractive specially cause of their amenities and accessibility.

Check out CommonLots’ Cheap Land for Sale in Arkansas to see available listings.

2. Nevada

Nevada often ranks high on the list of the cheapest places to buy land in the United States, thanks to its wide open spaces, easy regulations, and commendable approach to property rights. For people who’ve been searching “where is the cheapest state to buy land?” This state is a desert haven for them where affordability meets freedom making it perfect for anyone dreaming of living off grid, solar setups, or just owning land without dealing with complicated rules. There are countless reasons investors and new buyers end their search with the wide lots in Nevada since,

• You can still find residential lots under $5,000 in rural counties
• Price per acre can drop to just a few hundred dollars in certain regions
• Nevada has no state income tax, making long term investing super duper attractive
• Property taxes remain impressively low across most counties
• Flexible zoning in places like Elko, Nye, and Humboldt makes off grid life easy

A great example of affordability paired with potential is Elko County, known for its open landscapes, mountain backdrops, and investor friendly pricing.

Check out CommonLots’ Cheap Land for Sale in Nevada listings to browse your options.

3. Arizona

Arizona consistently shines as one of the most sought after states for cheap desert land, especially for buyers wanting affordability paired with long-term value. With its iconic landscapes, and relaxed zoning Arizona offers some of the most budget friendly lots in the Southwest of the U.S. Buyers often end up choosing Arizona because,

• They can still find rural lots under $3,000 in counties like Apache & Navajo
• Many areas offer RV friendly rules and great solar potential
• Its Ideal for camping, weekend retreats, or low-maintenance investment holds
• Land here is known for its strong growth potential with a demand that’s rising high steadily
• Scenic desert backdrops add to its long term resale appeal

A standout example is the Apache County region, where affordability, freedom, and wide-open desert views come together, making it a favorite for new investors and people who love to explore off grid.

4. New Mexico

New Mexico is one of the most underrated states when it comes to cheap land, still it offers some of the lowest entry prices in the entire country. With its calm desert energy, striking scenery, and welcoming policies for off-grid lifestyles, New Mexico provides a perfect mix of affordability and opportunity for new buyers. New Mexico gives you a lot of reasons to stop searching beyond it cause,

• It has rural lots often priced under $1,500 across multiple counties
• It offers some of the lowest cost per acre rates in the U.S. where you can easily find remote land for under $1,000 per acre
• Its extremely friendly for alternative, sustainable, and off grid living. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in for a treat.
• The state doesn’t impose much restrictions in rural areas which makes the land easy to use.

Communities around Valencia and Luna counties are perfect examples since they’re offering budget friendly prices with alot of usable, scenic land for both investors and people looking for a home. So if you’ve been searching what is the cheapest state to buy land in, New Mexico is a good option.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee is one of those states that quietly surprises land investors with its perfect mix of affordability, natural charm, and strong long-term growth potential. It’s often ranked among the most desirable places to live since it offers rolling hills, hardwood forests, peaceful lakes, and a mild climate the whole year.If you’re buying land for investment, Tennessee has that “you get more than you pay for” energy, making it an easy contender when searching for what’s the cheapest state to buy land in. There are many reasons for keeping an eye on Tennessee too like,

• Residential lots are available here under $5,000 in rural counties, making it affordable for beginners.
• Per acre land prices here range between $3,500 to $6,000 for mixed use or woodland lots which is still cheaper than many neighboring states.
• Property taxes are low here, averaging around 0.64% which is ideal for long-term holding.
• High demand from people relocating from states like California, New York, and Illinois, increasing potential for growth.
• You can easily find owner financing opportunities here, especially in rural areas.

A great example is the popularity of regions around Cumberland County and Pickett County where affordability along with breathtaking scenery make Tennessee land an appealing and steady long term investment.

Check out CommonLots’ Tennessee Land for Sale to browse available listings.

Tips To Secure Cheap Land Deals

Now that we’ve answered your question “what state is the cheapest to buy land?” Let’s focus on how to make sure that the land you’ve picked becomes truly yours. Buying land is a time consuming journey starting from looking up listings to ending with signing the papers, but here we have some tips for you to assist you in closing the deal like a pro.

• Before you rush into a bank and get a loan that’ll take you ages to pay back, look for owner financed properties or ask if the property you’re interested in provides this sort of option. Many cheap property sellers offer owner financing which will make your journey a 100x easier.
• Research or ask around about what you can and can’t do with the land, knowing county and zoning restrictions can be helpful.
• To find and secure the perfect deal for you, avoid marketplaces that may be risky, not that reputable and avoid brokers who might charge extra which will probably increase the overall costs.
• Avoid scams and hidden fees by using trusted platforms like CommonLots where you’ll find verified listings, secure contracts, and transparent pricing.
• Thinking long term right now is the key. Even if you don’t plan to build immediately, buying land now in a low cost state could bring long term value, rental potential, or resale gains.

Still Wondering Where You Should Start?

If you’re on a budget and want to make a smart investment, start with the two best options:

1. Arkansas Land for Sale – Lush, green, and full of hidden gems.
2. Nevada Land for Sale – Wide-open freedom, off grid potential, and ultra low taxes.
3. Tennessee Land for Sale – Rolling hills, hardwood forests, peaceful lakes.

Buying land doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be strategic. With CommonLots, you can own property for less than you think, in places you’ll love.

Ready to own land for under $100/month?

Browse active listings, choose your state, and start your journey today!