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Budget Alternatives to City of Ass

Looking for a functional budget replacement for City of Ass ($44.20)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Mana Accelerator & Ramp power for a fraction of the cost.

By MTGCheap Data Lab 6 min readUpdated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for City of Ass at a Glance

Original Price: $44.20
BEST OVERALL

Tarnation Vista

$0.74Save 98%

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #adds-multiple-mana, #rainbow-land.

89% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Archway Commons

$0.13Save 100%

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land.

91% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Lotus Field

$2.33Save 95%

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #adds-multiple-mana, #rainbow-land.

89% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for City of Ass (Land)

City of Ass

Land
$44.20 Market
This land enters tapped. {T}: Add one and one-half mana of any one color.
Why It's Expensive: City of Ass is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining mana accelerator & ramp mechanics.
#activated-ability#adds-multiple-mana#half-mana#punny-name#rainbow-land#tapland-with-set-s-mechanic

How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)

Direct financial comparison between City of Ass and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
City of Ass (Original)Land$44.20100% (Baseline)
#1 Tarnation VistaLand (0 MV)$0.74$43.4698%89% Match
#2 Lotus FieldLand (0 MV)$2.33$41.8795%89% Match
#3 Azor's Gateway // Sanctum of the SunLegendary Artifact // Legendary Land (2 MV)$2.29$41.9195%66% Match
#4 Grand ColiseumLand (0 MV)$0.38$43.8299%92% Match
#5 Base CampLand (0 MV)$0.16$44.04100%92% Match
#6 Archway CommonsLand (0 MV)$0.13$44.07100%91% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to City of Ass

Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.

#1

Tarnation Vista

(Land0 MV)
$0.74Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Tarnation Vista (Land)
89% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. As it enters, choose a color. {T}: Add one mana of the chosen color. {1}, {T}: For each color among monocolored permanents you control, add one mana of that color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #adds-multiple-mana, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.74 (98% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 89% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#adds-multiple-mana#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Lotus Field

(Land0 MV)
$2.33Save 95%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Lotus Field (Land)
89% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Hexproof This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice two lands. {T}: Add three mana of any one color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #adds-multiple-mana, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $2.33 (95% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 89% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#adds-multiple-mana#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Azor's Gateway // Sanctum of the Sun

(Legendary Artifact // Legendary Land2 MV)
$2.29Save 95%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Azor's Gateway // Sanctum of the Sun (Legendary Artifact // Legendary Land)
66% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

{1}, {T}: Draw a card, then exile a card from your hand. If cards with five or more different mana values are exiled with Azor's Gateway, you gain 5 life, untap Azor's Gateway, and transform it. // (Transforms from Azor's Gateway.) {T}: Add X mana of any one color, where X is your life total.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Legendary Artifact // Legendary Land alternative to City of Ass's Land and costs 2 more mana (2 MV vs 0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #adds-multiple-mana, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $2.29 (95% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 2 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 66% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#adds-multiple-mana#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Grand Coliseum

(Land0 MV)
$0.38Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Grand Coliseum (Land)
92% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. {T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add one mana of any color. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.38 (99% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 92% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Base Camp

(Land0 MV)
$0.16Save 100%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Base Camp (Land)
92% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. {T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add one mana of any color. Spend this mana only to cast a Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, or Wizard spell or to activate an ability of a Cleric, Rogue, Warrior, or Wizard.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.16 (100% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 92% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Archway Commons

(Land0 MV)
$0.13Save 100%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Archway Commons (Land)
91% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you pay {1}. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches City of Ass's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.13 (100% savings over City of Ass)
  • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 91% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.

Competitive / High Velocity
Tarnation Vista

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates City of Ass's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Archway Commons

Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Lotus Field

Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is City of Ass Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require City of Ass's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $44.20 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About City of Ass Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to City of Ass?+

Tarnation Vista ($0.74) is the best overall alternative to City of Ass ($44.20), saving $43.46 (98% savings) with a 89% functional vector match.

What cards are like City of Ass in MTG?+

Cards like City of Ass include Tarnation Vista ($0.74), Lotus Field ($2.33), Azor's Gateway // Sanctum of the Sun ($2.29), Grand Coliseum ($0.38). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for City of Ass?+

Archway Commons ($0.13) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 100% compared to City of Ass.

Why would a player want a replacement for City of Ass?+

At $44.20, City of Ass represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.

When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to City of Ass?+

In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.

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