The Top 10 Cheapest US Cities to Live In

Let’s explore the 10 cheapest US cities to live in. Are these low-cost living options right for you?

Affordable Living in the U.S. is still possible

When it comes to finding affordable places to live in the U.S. cities, you’ll discover that many of the best choices are located in the southern part of the country. Alabama and Texas, in particular, have several cities that offer a low cost of living.

However, before you pack your bags and move to one of these budget-friendly places, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons. While cheap prices are appealing, you should also think about job opportunities, income levels, and the overall lifestyle in these areas.

To make an informed decision, it’s a good idea to plan an extended visit to see if one of these affordable cities suits your needs.

Tyler Baines, a cost of living project manager and research analyst, reminds us that while big cities like New York and Los Angeles offer higher-paying jobs, other factors should also influence your decision about where to live.

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How We Select the Cheapest Places to Live

Our ranking of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. is based on data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), which calculates living expenses in 265 urban areas.

We focused on metro areas with at least 50,000 residents and supplemented C2ER’s research with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

C2ER’s Cost of Living Index takes into account prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services like going to a movie or getting your hair done.

By examining this data, which covers 90,000 prices for 60 different items in hundreds of cities, we identified the places with the lowest overall costs of living. The difference between the most expensive and cheapest places to live in the U.S. is quite significant.

What you'll learn:

1️⃣ Harlingen, Texas

Cost of living: 22.9% below the U.S. average
Metro population: 423,029
Median household income: $48,115
Median home value: $103,500
Unemployment rate: 5.7%

Harlingen, Texas, currently holds the title of the cheapest place to live among U.S. cities with metro areas of at least 50,000 people. Situated at the southernmost tip of Texas, Harlingen faces economic challenges, with a high poverty rate and low median household income.

However, the city offers substantial savings on everyday expenses, including housing costs that are $178,000 less than the U.S. average. Harlingen also boasts lower apartment rents, affordable groceries, and is only an hour’s drive from South Padre Island’s beaches.

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2️⃣ Kalamazoo, Michigan

Cost of living: 22.5% below the U.S. average
Metro population: 261,108
Median household income: $62,128
Median home value: $208,300
Unemployment rate: 4.6%

Kalamazoo consistently ranks among the most affordable U.S. cities, despite its high poverty rate. The city benefits from major employers like Western Michigan University and Stryker Corporation, and it recently received a significant investment from Pfizer.

Kalamazoo offers free daily activities at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, extensive trail systems, and proximity to Chicago for those seeking big-city adventures.

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3️⃣ McAllen, Texas

Cost of living: 20.6% below U.S. average
Metro population: 880,356
Median household income: $44,818
Median home value: $107,500
Unemployment rate: 4.9%

McAllen, Texas, ranks as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. but faces a high poverty rate. However, the city offers significant savings, including housing costs that are 55% lower than the national average and lower grocery and healthcare expenses.

The city’s location along a major migration route also makes it famous for bird watching.

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4️⃣ Decatur, Illinois

Cost of living: 19.9% below U.S. average
Metro population: 102,432
Median household income: $46,807
Median home value: $110,800
Unemployment rate: 5.4%

Decatur, Illinois, is known for agriculture and manufacturing but faces challenges due to economic shifts. Still, it maintains a cost of living nearly 20% lower than the national average, with housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation being more affordable.

Decatur’s affordability benefits its significant student population, including those at Millikin University and Richland Community College.

5️⃣ Joplin, Missouri

Cost of living: 18.0% below U.S. average
Metro population: 182,541
Median household income: $55,045
Median home value: $149,500
Unemployment rate: 2.6%

Joplin, Missouri, is known for recovering from a devastating tornado in 2011, thanks in part to its role as a regional medical center.

Housing costs in Joplin are 38% below the national average, and other expenses like groceries and healthcare are also affordable. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities, making it an appealing place to live.

6️⃣ Topeka, Kansas

Cost of living: 17.5% below U.S. average
Metro population: 232,670
Median household income: $57,474
Median home value: $154,800
Unemployment rate: 3.1%

Topeka, Kansas, offers affordable living in a suburban setting with numerous employment opportunities. As the state capital, Topeka enjoys stability from the state government, and it supports various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing.

Residents benefit from a cost of living almost 20% below the national average, primarily due to lower housing costs and reduced expenses on groceries, utilities, transportation, and more. Plus, Topeka boasts the cheapest pizza prices in the U.S.

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7️⃣ Anniston, Alabama

Cost of living: 16.9% below U.S. average
Metro population: 115,972
Median household income: $46,524
Median home value: $139,400
Unemployment rate: 3.8%

Anniston, Alabama, offers a lower cost of living, although the median income is relatively lower as well.

The city provides savings in housing and grocery costs but experiences higher utility expenses. Alabama’s tax-friendly environment adds to the appeal of living in Anniston, which is also known for its unique attractions and historic landmarks.

8️⃣ Conway, Arkansas

Cost of living: 16.5% below U.S. average
City population: 65,126
Median household income: $53,029
Median home value: $230,900
Unemployment rate: 3.2%

Conway, Arkansas, is an affordable city located within the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area. High-tech companies, educational institutions, and recreational activities contribute to its appeal.

Housing costs in Conway are 27% below the national average, and other expenses like groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also budget-friendly. The state of Arkansas is relatively tax-friendly for retirees.

9️⃣ Albany, Georgia

Cost of living: 16.5% below U.S. average
Metro population: 146,961
Median household income: $48,659
Median home value: $143,200
Unemployment rate: 4.0%

Albany, Georgia, known as the birthplace of Ray Charles, offers affordable living with a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and major employers.

The city’s housing costs are 41% lower than the national average, providing significant savings for residents. While utility costs are relatively higher, Georgia’s tax-friendly policies make Albany an attractive place to live.

🔟 Jackson, Mississippi

Cost of living: 16.3% below U.S. average
Metro population: 586,758
Median household income: $54,123
Median home value: $178,100
Unemployment rate: 3.0%

Jackson, Mississippi, is a diverse city known for its cultural attractions, including the USA International Ballet Competition. The city offers affordable living, with costs over 16% lower than the national average.

Housing expenses are particularly budget-friendly, and utilities and transportation costs are also reduced. Mississippi’s tax-friendly policies make it an appealing place for retirees.

These are the top 10 cheapest places to live in the U.S. cities, offering affordability and unique qualities that make each city an attractive option for residents.

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These Are the 10 Cheapest Cities to Live in the US