27 Cheapest Places To Live In The US

Cities offering cheaper rent, low cost of living, better educational facilities, higher job opportunities, and a peaceful environment are dreams for most people. An affordable cost of living can translate to lower utility costs, housing expenses, and more savings which can help you live comfortably for the rest of your life.

Our list of the cheapest places to live in the US will have plenty of such options for you. Sometimes plan to explore the budget-friendly December getaway in the USA. You’ll love it.

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1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Population: 701,266
• Safety: 458.6 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $275,000

The US state of Oklahoma’s central region is home to Oklahoma County. One of the prominent public regional institutions in Oklahoma City’s growing metropolitan area is the University of Central Oklahoma.

With respect to the metro regions of comparable size, the job market is also stronger here. The city is among the cheapest places in the United States due to affordable property ownership.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
• Oklahoma City Zoo
• Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art
• Myriad Botanical Gardens

Cost of Living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A family of four would average $3,236 per month for living expenses in Oklahoma City, not including rent. Compared to the national average, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma’s cost of living is 13% cheaper, making it one of the cheapest places to live in the US.

2. Palm Bay, Florida

• Population: 123,074
• Safety: 357.83 crime rate
• Median Home Value: $348,500

Between Jacksonville and Miami, Palm Bay is well situated on Florida’s east coast. Alexander W. Dreyfoos Junior School of the Arts, Morikami Park Elementary School, and Bak Middle School of the Arts are the top-rated public schools in Palm Beach County, Florida.

The following major occupational groupings are present: legal, construction and extraction, and sales are associated. Besides, high praise is also given to Palm Bay’s public schools.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Maritime Hammock Sanctuary
• Spessard Holland South Beach Park
• Andretti Thrill Park
• Coconut Point Park
• Turkey Creek Sanctuary
• Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

Cost of Living in Palm Bay, Florida

Palm Bay is in the top 27% of the most inexpensive cities in the world. It has an average monthly cost of living of $1564 for a family of 2.

3. Youngstown, Ohio

• Population: 60,270
• Safety: 137.2 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $114,900

Southeast of Cleveland and northwest Pittsburgh, Youngstown is located along the Mahoning River. It is a great place to work if you are in the healthcare, education, or automotive sectors.

The cost of housing in Youngstown is 35% less than the national average, while the cost of utilities is 5% less than the norm, making it the cheapest city in the US.

The Youngstown area is home to several well-known corporations, including Delphi, WCI Steel Plant, Packard Electric Systems, Exal Corporation, and V&M Star Steel Company.

 Nearby Sightseeing:

• The Butler Institute of American Art
• Fellows Riverside Gardens
• Mill Creek Park – South End
• McDonough Museum of Art
• Lanterman’s Mill
• Arms Family Museum

Cost of Living in Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown has an average monthly cost of living of $1152, comparable to the global average.

4. Amarillo, Texas

• Population: 202,333
• Safety: 524.4 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $248,900

Amarillo is situated on the North Texas high plains, one of the best places to live in the US for cheap. Amarillo metro region inhabitants pay around 40% less on housing-related expenses than the average American. If you are looking for the cheapest place to live in America for renters, this is the place.

Apartment rent is one-fourth less than what the average American pays each month. BSA Health System, Tyson Foods, and CNS Pantex are among the largest employers.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Amarillo Botanical Garden
• Cadillac Ranch
• Wonderland Amusement Park
• Amarillo Museum of Art
• American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

Cost of Living in Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo has an average cost of living of $1363. It is in the top 32% of all cities with the most expensive cost of living. The price is 19% below average nationally and 12% below the state average.

5. Jackson, Mississippi

• Population: 149,761
• Safety: 733 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $139,000

Jackson is located along the Pearl River in the state’s west-central region. Jackson has many geriatric institutions, caregiving alternatives, orthopedic surgeons, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Since it is affordable, it ranks among the greatest big cities for effective aging. Thus, it is one of the most affordable places to retire in the US.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Mayes Lake
• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
• Mississippi Children’s Museum
• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
• Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum

Cost of Living in Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson has an average cost of living of $1502. The city ranks in the top 29% of the most expensive cities among all cities in the world. Compared to the national average, living expenses are 20% less in Jackson, Mississippi.

6. Fort Wayne, Indiana

• Population: 265,974
• Safety: 263.94 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $205,447

The city of Fort Wayne is situated in Indiana’s northern region. The city’s inexpensive housing expenses attract residents migrating to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hence, it is one of the cheapest places to live in the US for young adults. Besides, Fort Wayne has all the conveniences of a big city, and the peace folks need to raise a family.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
• Parkview Field
• Fort Wayne Museum of Art
• Promenade Park

Cost of Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne has a $1382 average monthly cost of living. It is 13% less than the national average and 4% less than the state average.

7. Odessa, Texas

• Population: 112,483
• Safety: 36.98 crime rate per 1,000
• Median Homevalue: $197,227

Odessa, situated in the Permian Basin, is an important midway between Fort Worth and El Paso. It is ranked the fourth most cost-effective urban region for renting in the nation.

Odessa benefits from a comprehensive education infrastructure that educates its residents for the future, thanks to the presence of Odessa College, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas. If you are looking for places to live in Texas on a budget, get this one on your list.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• McKinney Park
• Ellen Noel Art Museum
• Stonehenge Replica
• Comanche Trail South Park
• Chris Kyle Memorial

Cost of Living in Odessa, Texas

Odessa’s cost of living is $1858 on average. It is 6% below the national average and 2% over the state average.

8. Greensboro, North Carolina

• Population: 298,263
• Safety: 42.7 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $248,000

Greensboro forms the Piedmont Triad with Winston-Salem and High Point, a triangle-shaped urban region. Winston-Salem is located about 25 miles (40 km) east of Greensboro. It is a significant textile manufacturing hub.

The Honda Aircraft Company, ITG Brands, Kayser-Roth, and Volvo Trucks of North America are a few of the significant employers in the area.

Living expenses in Greensboro are lower than in several other North Carolina communities and across the nation. It is one of the cheapest places to live on the east coast. Within three miles of the city center, there are five colleges in Greensboro.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
• Greensboro Science Center
• Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
• Greensboro History Museum
• International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Cost of Living in Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro has a $1640 average cost of living. Compared to the national average, living expenses are lower here.

9. Conway, Arkansas

• Population: 65,121
• Safety: 72.81 crime rate per 1000
• Median Home Value: $219,700

Arkansas has Conway as its county seat. The city provides a luxurious lifestyle at a reasonable cost. Several high-tech businesses, like the information technology company Insight Enterprises, are based in Conway (NSIT).

Central Baptist College, University of Central Arkansas, and Hendrix College are Conway’s three post-secondary educational institutions. The region’s major employers are Walmart, McDonald’s, and Harps Food Stores.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Cordon Settlement Park
• Lake Conway
• Beaver Fort Lake
• Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
• Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College

Cost of Living in Conway, Arkansas

Conway’s cost of living is $1896 on average. The state is 17% below the national average and 8% below the state average.

10. McAllen, Texas

• Population: 143,920
• Safety: 21 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $212,900

It is situated in the Rio Grande Valley, on the United States-Mexico border, near the state’s southernmost point. This area’s public schools are part of the well-regarded McAllen Independent School District.

Aerospace is a major sector in McAllen. General Electric Aviation is based in the area. In McAllen, Texas, housing costs are 42% less expensive than the national average, while healthcare expenditures are 27% less expensive. Also, with a crime rate of 21 per 1000, McAllen is known as one of the safest places to live in the US on a budget.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Quinta Mazatlan
• International Museum of Art & Science
• National Butterfly Center
• McAllen Nature Center
• Mc Allen-Hidalgo International Bridge

Cost of Living in McAllen, Texas

McAllen has an affordable cost of living in the US, with an average of $1328. Its value is 23% below the national average. In terms of cost of living, the city is in the top 33% of global cities.

11. Memphis, Tennessee

• Population: 628,127
• Safety: 81.91 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $157,300

The Mississippi River runs straight past Memphis. Memphis is one of the most affordable locations to live in if you can work from home and want the convenience of a major metropolis without the high cost.

The renowned reputation of Memphis as an inland port is advantageous for metro Memphis in terms of employment. The city is home to 3 Fortune 500 businesses which are FedEx (FDX), International Paper (IP), and AutoZone (AZO).

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Beale Street
• Graceland
• Sun Studio
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Memphis Zoo

Cost of Living in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis has an average cost of living of $1641. Its value is 15% below the national average.

12. Joplin, Missouri

• Population: 51,846
• Safety: 43.97 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $173,200

The city of Joplin is situated in the southwest part of the US, in the state of Missouri. It is located in the counties of Jasper and northern Newton. The transportation companies Contract Freighters, the Schaeffler Group, and General Mills are some major employers in Joplin.

A four-state region, including Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, is served by its two leading hospitals. However, with minimal housing expenses, it is one of the most inexpensive cities to live in the US.

Major employers of the region include TAMKO Building Products, Freeman Health System, Missouri Southern State University, and Teleperformance.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Galena Mining & Historical Museum
• George Washington Carver National Monument
• Grand Falls
• Joplin History & Mineral Museum
• Cunningham Park

Cost of Living in Joplin, Missouri

In Joplin, the cost of living is $1437 on average. It is 10% below the state average and 18% below the national average.

13. Mobile, Alabama

• Population: 184,952
• Safety: 51.52 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $183,800

On the northern Gulf Coast, Mobile is situated on the Mobile River near the mouth of Mobile Bay. Compared to the US average, Mobile has a very cheap cost of living.

Most of the larger Mobile region is served by the Mobile County School District, but parts of the adjacent suburbs are served by the Baldwin County School System and smaller local districts.

One of the area’s largest employers in Mobile is the shipbuilder Austal USA. However, there is also plenty of employment in engineering, high-tech, and healthcare.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• USS Alabama
• History Museum of Mobile
• USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
• Mobile Carnival Museum
• Mobile Museum of Art

Cost of Living in Mobile, Alabama

Mobile has an average cost of living of $1511. It is 2% below the state average and 14% below the national average.

14. Harlingen, Texas

• Population: 71,925
• Safety: 37.67 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $172,100

With Rio Grande to its south and the Gulf of Mexico to its east, Harlingen is located on the southernmost point of Texas. The major colleges are the University of Texas RGV and Texas State Technical College.

The local medical industry is flourishing. Several significant employers include United Healthcare, Dish Network, Qualfon, Time Warner Cable, and Advanced Call Center Technologies.

In 2022, the Council for Community and Economic Research identified the city as one of the country’s top three least expensive urban areas (C2ER).

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
• Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
• Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum
• Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
• McKelvey Park

Cost of Living in Harlingen, Texas

In Harlingen, the average cost of living is $1863. Compared to the national average, it is 23% lower.

15. Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Population: 182,113
• Safety: 79.19 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $288,000

One of Tennessee’s least expensive cities to live in is Chattanooga. It is situated along the Tennessee River bordering Georgia and serves as the administrative capital of Hamilton County, Tennessee.

In addition to the city’s thriving tech and startup cultures, Chattanooga offers significant employment in the public sector, manufacturing, health care, and education services. Counting elementary, middle, and high schools, Chattanooga has 35 public institutions.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Tennessee Aquarium
• Rock City Gardens
• Ruby Falls
• Lookout Mountain
• Hunter Museum of American Art

Cost of Living in Chattanooga, Tennessee

In Chattanooga, the cost of living is $2033 on average. It is 8% below the national average and 3% higher than the state average.

16. Jacksonville, Florida

• Population: 23,515
• Safety: 34.87 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $313,900

St. Johns River flows through Jacksonville, located on Florida’s northeastern coast. According to The Wall Street Journal, Jacksonville is Florida’s top job market and the fifth-hottest.

Major employers include Naval Station Mayport, Duval County Public Schools, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. About 9% less than the national average is spent on living expenses. It is one of the least expensive places to live in Florida.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
• Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve
• Museum of Science & History
• Little Talbot Island State Park

Cost of Living in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville’s cost of living is $1860 on average. It is 7% below the national average and 8% below the state average.

17. Fayetteville, Arkansas

• Population: 95,230
• Safety: 56.12 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $338,100

Fayetteville is located in the heart of the Ozarks, near the Boston Mountains. Fayetteville offers several excellent choices for individuals interested in careers in education, culture, or entrepreneurship.

Some prominent businesses in the area are Washington Regional Medical Center, the University of Arkansas, and Twin Rivers Group. The housing costs are 27% less expensive in Fayetteville than the national average, while utility costs are 8% less expensive, making it one of the prominent cheapest places to live in the US for families.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
• Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
• Lake Fayetteville Park
• Clinton House Museum
• Arkansas Air and Military Museum

Cost of Living in Fayetteville, Arkansas

In Fayetteville, the cost of living is $1546 on average. It is 12% below the national average and 3% below the state average.

18. Daytona Beach, Florida

• Population: 74,437
• Safety: 39.73 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $271,100

With hundreds of hotels scattered around the area, tourism plays a significant part in the area’s economic health. Prominent educational institutions include Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.

It is one of the most affordable beach towns in Florida, with housing costs 9% lower than the national average.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Museum of Arts & Sciences
• Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
• Daytona Boardwalk Amusements
• Daytona Beach Bandshell
• Daytona International Speedway

Cost of Living in Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach has an average cost of living of $1918. Compared to the national average, it is 5% lower.

19. Topeka, Kansas

• Population: 125,963
• Safety: 55.10 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $163,100             

Topeka is situated in northeast Kansas, in the Center United States, along the Kansas River in Shawnee County’s central region. Although industry and agriculture are the two main pillars of the economy, Topeka’s government services offer a crucial element of stability.

Additionally, Topeka offers affordable rent, transportation, and utilities. There are many established areas with cheap homes, and the city’s housing market values are lower than the national average.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
• Kansas Museum of History
• Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center
• Evel Knievel Museum
• Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

Cost of Living in Topeka, Kansas

In Topeka, the cost of living is $1630 on average. It is 16% less than the national average and 3% less than the state average.

20. Peoria, Illinois

• Population: 179,432
• Safety: 33.96 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $114,400

Making items by hand continues to be a significant industry in Peoria. The area’s largest employers include Caterpillar, Liberty Steel & Wire, and Morton Industries.

Peoria is a wonderful place and one of the most affordable places to live in the US for anyone wanting to relocate to a new state. This is because this city offers affordable housing, services, and transportation.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Peoria Zoo
• Wildlife Prairie Park
• Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
• Caterpillar Visitor Center

Cost of Living in Peoria, Illinois

In Peoria, the cost of living is $1497 on average. The cost of housing is 25% less than the US average.

21. Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Population: 73,257
• Safety: 1,432 crime rate per 100,000
• Median Homevalue: $218,500

Kalamazoo is among the top US cities with the lowest cost of living. Western Michigan University has many campuses and research centers and is a significant source in the area’s economy. Besides, major industries in the region include healthcare, education, and pharmaceutical product manufacturing.

There are undoubtedly plenty of career chances because Kalamazoo is also Pfizer’s largest manufacturing facility. There are several opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Gilmore Car Museum
• Kalamazoo Nature Center
• Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
• Kalamazoo Valley Museum
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan

In Kalamazoo, the average cost of living is $1464. The state is 24% below average nationally and 16% below average.

22. Waterloo, Iowa

• Population: 66,941
• Safety: 29.58 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $132,500

A manufacturing and agricultural hub is the Waterloo, Iowa, metro region. Currently, the city has an approximate population of 67,314 people, ranking Waterloo as the eighth-largest city in the state.

Waterloo West High School, Waterloo East High School, and Expo High School are the three renowned public schools in the county seat of Black Hawk County. Waterloo is also the home to Hawkeye Community College.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Lost Island Theme Park
• George Wyth State Park
• Hartman Reserve Nature Center
• Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Group
• John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

Cost of Living in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo has an average cost of living of $1353. It is 14% less than the national average and 4% less than the state average.

23. Lake Charles, Louisiana

• Population: 81,097
• Safety: 34.66 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $234,200

A little community in southern Louisiana named Lake Charles is located close to Interstate 10. Its location is on the Gulf Coast and has an abundance of lakes and rivers. Besides this, production, installation, maintenance, and repair activities employ the most people. With affordable transportation facilities, it is one of the cheapest places to visit in the USA.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Prien Lake Park
• North Beach
• Imperial Calcasieu Museum
• Charpentier Historic District
• Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

Cost of Living in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles has an average cost of living of $1702. It is 14% below the national average and 8% below the state average.

24. Trinidad, Colorado

• Population: 8,335
• Safety: 44.20 crime rate per 1,000
• Median Homevalue: $214,500

Trinidad is located in south-central Colorado. Trinidad State College and Trinidad High School are major education centers.

Petroleum and petrochemicals are the biggest employers in the city, which is heavily dependent on the energy industry. Trinidad has a lower cost of living than most cities of the state and the average for the entire country. It is one of the inexpensive places to live in Colorado.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Trinidad History Museum
• Louden-Henritze
• A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
• Bloom Mansion
• Trinidad Lake State Park

Cost of Living in Trinidad, Colorado

Trinidad has an average cost of living of $1,200. It is 19% cheaper than the national average in Colorado.

25. Hermiston, Oregon

• Population: 19,455
• Safety: 24.85 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $283,700

Seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula, and the McNary Dam, Hermiston is situated close to the intersection of Interstates 82 and 84. Major employers include Good Shepherd Healthcare System, Amazon Web Services, and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

Eastern Oregon’s largest district is the Hermiston School District. Besides, with an affordable housing expense, it is considered one of the cheapest places to live in Oregon.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Hermiston Family Aquatic Center
• Umatilla County Fairgrounds
• McKenzie Park
• Butte Park
• Riverfront Park

Cost of Living in Hermiston, Oregon

With an average cost of living of $1618, Hermiston serves to be one of the most affordable places to live in the West. This minimal living expense is primarily due to its cheap groceries, child and health care, transportation, etc. Besides, in terms of cost of living, it is in the top 26% of all global cities.

26. Bakersfield, California

• Population: 403,455
• Safety: 47 crime rate per 1000
• Median Homevalue: $383,500

Bakersfield is a significant city in California, situated in the southwestern part of the country. However, compared to most other California cities and towns, Bakersfield is one of the most affordable places to live in California.

Bakersfield’s major employers include Allied Universal, Grimmway Farms, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Bakersfield City School District, Webster Bank, Esparza Enterprises, Kern Medical, and Aera Energy. Downtown Elementary School, American Elementary School, and Paul L. Cato Middle School are among the top learning institutions.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Kern County Museum
• California Living Museum
• The Park at River Walk
• Bakersfield Museum of Art
• Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

Cost of Living in Bakersfield, California

In Bakersfield, the cost of living is $2110 on average. It is 7% higher than the national average and 24% lower than the state average. Bakersfield is one of the cheapest places to live on the west coast.

27. Kokomo, Indiana

• Population: 59,691
• Safety: 21.85 crime rate per 1,000
• Median Homevalue: $151,400

Kokomo, in Indiana, is the administrative center of Howard County. Chrysler, Indiana Transmission, General Motors (GM), Aptiv (APTV), and Haynes International are among Kokomo’s largest employers since the city has long served as a significant hub for the worldwide automotive industry’s manufacturing (HAYN). It is home to Indiana Wesleyan University – Kokomo Education and Conference Center.

Nearby Sightseeing:

• Seiberling Mansion
• Elwood Haynes Museum
• Foster Park
• Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center
• Jackson Morrow Park

Cost of Living in Kokomo, Indiana

Kokomo has an average cost of living of $1527. In terms of cost of living, it is in the top 28% of all global cities.

Final Words

In recent years, many Americans have been looking for a better quality of life, seeking places with a higher standard of living and lower crime rates. The places mentioned above can offer you affordable living in the US due to their cheaper cost of living.

So, if you are looking what is the cheapest place to live in the United States, this is the article for you. Let us know in the comment which city you liked in this article.

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