Which city in the USA has the lowest cost of living? Mississippi has the lowest living costs in the country, 15.6% lower than the national average.
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Where is the cheapest place in the US to live?
Harlingen, Texas has one of the cheapest housing costs in the nation especially when it comes to housing.
Located on the Mexican border, it keeps living costs low and attracts people looking for an affordable place to live.
What is the cheapest and safest place to live in the United States?
Harlingen in Texas is considered to be one of the safest places to live in the United States, since its crime rate is among the lowest in the country. Additionally, housing costs are very affordable in the area, with median property prices well below the national average.
Are you hunting for some of the cheapest places to live in the us?
You should weigh the pros and cons of relocating to the place with the lowest living costs. The allure of cheap prices can fade if jobs are hard to come by, wages are small or the area offers few activities.
Consider an extended visit to find the cheapest place to live.
Here is a list of the cheapest places to live in the United States:-
#10 Conway, Arkansas
Conway, an affordable suburb in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area is home to a number of high-tech companies including Insight Enterprises.
Located close to the Arkansas River and Lake Conway, the city is a perfect location for fishing and water sports. The state capital of Little Rock is within half an hour’s drive.
Rent is lower, taxes are lower, and food, transportation, and utilities are cheaper. Conway, AR housing is 26% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 10% less.
Military pension income and Social Security benefits are tax-exempt in Arkansas.
So if you’re looking for a place to retire on a budget, Conway is the place to be!
#9 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
It’s almost impossible to believe how affordable Oklahoma City is for its size.
Situated within a region with an abundance of natural resources, Oklahoma City makes a desirable location for businesses, owing to the low cost of goods and services.
Additionally, the city’s thriving arts scene and renowned music festivals offer residents a wide range of entertainment.
Residents take advantage of the low cost of living, with housing prices significantly lower than the national average.
The city has a large, well-educated workforce, which helps to keep wages low.
Housing costs are 27% less than the national average, based on the Cost of Living Index, which includes both home prices and rental rates.
The city also has no state income tax, and the job market is growing, which has helped to keep wages competitive and low utility, grocery, and transportation costs.
Healthcare is also slightly more expensive than what the average American can afford.
The Oklahoma City metro area had an annual average unemployment rate of 2.9% in 2022, which was tied for the third lowest unemployment rate in modern history (1990 to 2022).
So if you’re looking for a place to live with a low unemployment rate and expensive healthcare, Oklahoma is the place to be!
#8 Augusta-Aiken, Georgia/South Carolina
The storied Masters tournament is Augusta’s most famous attraction, but there’s more to this city than meets the eye.
Locals are fortunate to live in one of the country’s cheapest cities, despite the presence of so many well-paid jobs.
Aiken, South Carolina, and the surrounding Gordon County. Augusta-Aiken is a center for cybersecurity companies thanks to the presence of Army Cyber Command at nearby Fort Gordon.
It is relatively low-cost to live in Augusta-Aiken, with the cost of living being lower than the national average.
Housing costs in Aiken are 22% lower than the national average, and utility costs are 16% lower than the national average.
Residents pay 12% less for utilities and healthcare, and nearly 22% less for transportation.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers 14 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Augusta. South Carolina Aiken University and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum can be found in Aiken.
It doesn’t stop there! Georgia also happens to be one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees.
# 7 Joplin, Missouri
Thanks to its status as a regional medical center, the city and surrounding metro area have recovered from the costliest tornado in modern U.S. history.
In the aftermath of the tornado, the city has spent a lot rebuilding infrastructure, healthcare services, and businesses. You’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, and recreational activities in the city.
Additionally, the city has a strong job market, with plenty of job opportunities, which helps to keep the cost of living low.
Housing in Joplin is 37% cheaper than the US average. Utilities are about 2% higher while transportation expenses are 6% lower.
Schools, hospitals, and healthcare systems are major employers in the city, including Mercy Hospital and the Joplin School District.
Despite Missouri’s relatively average tax rates, they recently decreased from 5.4% to 5.3%. In 2023, the rate will drop to 4.95%, with further reductions anticipated.
Looks like Joplin is really trying to make taxpayers feel like they’re getting their money’s worth!
# 6 Mobile, Alabama
French colonists founded Mobile, Alabama, in 1702, followed by it becoming a French, English, and Spanish colony for the next century.
The city has one of the most distinctive cultures of any American city, thanks to its colonial past and African, Creole, and Catholic heritage.
Low cost of living, steady job growth, and a strong housing market have made Mobile one of the most affordable cities in the country.
The opportunities in healthcare, engineering, and high-tech employment opportunities are abundant.
Compared to what the average American pays, housing costs are 42% less here. The cost of living in Mobile, Alabama is 2% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average.
Transport and miscellaneous goods and services are also great bargains.
As an added bonus, the city presents a vibrant, culturally diverse, and recreationally rich lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live.
#5 Topeka, Kansas
Situated on the prairie along the Kansas River, Topeka is characterized by dense suburban development, parks, and cafes.
Kansas’ low taxes and its wide variety of land allow for plenty of housing opportunities.
Topeka’s housing expenses are 23% lower than the national average, transportation expenses are 6% less, and grocery prices are 15% cheaper.
The cost of living in Kansas City is 4% higher than the state average, but 6% lower than the national average. Housing in Kansas City is 3% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 2% less.
#4 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo offers an affordable cost of living even when compared to other cities in the Midwest. However, Michigan isn’t the most tax-friendly state for middle-class families.
The city has a lower cost of housing, transportation, and utilities than the national average.
The cost of living in Kalamazoo is 16% lower than the state average and 24% lower than the national average.
Housing in Kalamazoo is 51% cheaper than the average cost in the United States, while utilities are only 1% more expensive.
Western Michigan University, Pfizer, Stryker Corp., Consumers Energy, and Western Michigan University are among the prominent employers in the city.
However, be aware that since Kalamazoo is a small town with a low cost of living, wages may not be as high as in other cities.
Despite the lower cost of living, Kalamazoo may still have a higher budget due to less wages, even if the cost of living is cheaper.
#3 Decatur, Illinois
Agriculture and manufacturing are the most prominent industries in Decatur, Illinois. As a result, housing costs have been low due to a plentiful supply of homes.
Additionally, the city has plenty of amenities, such as parks, museums, and a vibrant downtown area.
The cost of living in Decatur is notably lower than the national average, due in part to relatively low housing costs and low taxes.
Housing costs here are 39% lower than the national average, and utility costs are 5% lower. Food, clothing, and groceries are 12% less expensive than in the rest of the country.
The city also has a fairly high median household income, which helps offset some of the cost of living.
#2 Jackson, Mississippi
A surprisingly eclectic city, Jackson attracts Civil War fans, blues music fans, and even ballet fans.
Jackson has a lower cost of living compared to the national average and is home to several colleges and universities that offer low tuition costs.
Additionally, housing costs are relatively low due to a wide variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments.
The Hattiesburg metropolitan area has the lowest average rent in Mississippi. The cost of living in Mississippi is 16% cheaper than the national average, while housing costs are 34% less.
#1 Harlingen, Texes
Situated on Texas’ southern tip between the Gulf of Mexico and the Rio Grande, Harlingen ranks as the cheapest place to live in the U.S. among cities.
With over 50,000 citizens, Harlingen has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States.
Housing is affordable, taxes are minimal, and the city offers a wide range of amenities for residents.
Additionally, the city boasts low utilities, groceries, and transportation costs, making it an extremely attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live.
The cost of housing in Harlingen is 55.38% less than the national average and the overall cost of living is 57.20% cheaper than the national average.
The median listing home price in Harlingen, TX was $245.5K in January 2023, and the median listing home price per square foot was $135.
However, if you thought Harlingen was cheap, wait until you hear about the prices in neighboring Harland – they’ve got prices so low, you could go out for a meal and get change back from a $5 bill!
