Finding an affordable and comfortable place to live can be tough, but there are plenty of the cheapest places to live in the US where your money goes further. Looking for economical places to live in the US that don’t skimp on quality of life? Whether you’re drawn to welcoming small towns or thriving cities full of opportunity, our guide tracks down spots where your budget stretches further. We’ve found locations perfect whether you’re starting out, needing more family space, or planning retirement – all balancing costs, culture, and convenience. Discover the most affordable places to live in the US that deliver great living right now.
Key Takeaways
- Midwest & South Places Dominate: most of the cheapest places to live in the USA are located in the Midwest (like Iowa, Ohio, Indiana) or the South (like Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma).
- Housing is the Biggest Driver: The low cost of living and housing costs are the primary reasons these cities rank as the most affordable. This is often the largest household expense.
- Affordability not equal to Low Salaries (Always): While salaries might be lower than in major metros, the ratio of median salary to cost of living is favourable. Your money stretches further for essentials.
- Smaller Metros & College Towns: The most affordable places to live in the United States are smaller metropolitan areas or those featuring major universities, and these spots offer plenty of amenities without the steep price tag of major metros.
- Disappearance of Major Coastal Hubs: The cheapest places in the United States to live do not include large cities on the West Coast or the Northeast. High demand and costs push them off the list.
- Value for Essentials: The place with the lowest cost of living in America usually affordable when residents spend less of their income on basics, like housing, groceries, and utilities, than average nationally or in expensive cities.
How to define cheapest places to live in USA?
Figuring out the most affordable places to live in the US means you need to consider several key costs compared to the national average:
- Housing/Rent: This is almost always your biggest monthly expense in the most affordable places to live in the US.
- Groceries: Think about how much you’ll need for regular food and groceries, whether it’s just for you or a whole family.
- Utilities (Lower Cost): Expect utility bills for things like power, heating, water, and internet to run below the national average.
- Transportation: Factor in costs for getting around – gas, car payments, insurance, or public transit fares add up.
- Taxes: Don’t forget to figure in state income tax, local sales tax, and property taxes when planning your monthly budget in these least expensive places to live in the US.
Where is the Cheapest Place to live in America?
Curious about the cheapest places to live in the US? Mississippi usually comes in first. The rent is extremely affordable, with the median price hovering around $614 per month. States like Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas are also on the top list of economical places to live in the US. Overall, living costs in these areas are lower, especially when it comes to housing.
10 Cheapest Places to live in the US
A penny saved is a penny earned. Choosing the cheapest places to live in the USA can help people save on living expenses, reduce financial burden and make them happier. Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 most inexpensive place to live in the United States.
1. Decatur,IL
| Average cost of living in Decatur | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $89,855 | $570 | $49,682 |
Decatur stands out as one of the most affordable places to live in the us. Homes in this area have a median price of $89,855, which is significantly lower than the national average. Its role as an agricultural and manufacturing center, provides a stable economy, cementing its status as one of the least expensive places to live in the US.
The low costs extend beyond housing. Daily costs, including groceries and utilities, also run below national averages. As a key soybean producer, Decatur benefits from shorter food supply chains, which helps keep grocery bills down. While Decatur may not be a glamorous metropolis, its focus on practicality offers clear benefits for cheapest places to live in the US.
2. Enid, OK
| Average cost of living in Enid | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $143,305 | $647 | $62,361 |
Looking for serious savings? Enid, Oklahoma, consistently ranks among the most inexpensive places to live in the United States. This friendly Plains city offers genuine affordability that hits your wallet gently.
Housing is the star player here. Whether you’re renting an apartment or buying a home, prices are significantly lower than the national average. You simply get way more space for your dollar compared to coastal or big-city living. Beyond just rent or housing costs, daily life costs less. Groceries, utilities, healthcare, and even local services tend to be easier on the budget. Oklahoma’s overall lower tax burden helps too, keeping more cash in your pocket.
While it might lack big-city luxuries, its core affordability allows residents to comfortably cover necessities and even save. Think manageable commutes, lower stress about bills, and a chance to build financial stability. For those prioritizing cost of living without sacrificing community basics, Enid delivers tangible, everyday affordability, making it a true haven for budget-conscious living.
3. Weirton, WV
| Average cost of living in Weirton | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $117,561 | $528 | $57,282 |
Weirton, over in West Virginia by the Ohio River, is one of the least expensive places to live in the us. Way cheaper than most of the country, and housing’s the big one. You can find a house here for around $100k, maybe less, and rent usually under $700 a month.
Groceries and utilities don’t hit hard either in this one of the city with lowest cost of living in America. Energy bills stay low, and picking up food for the week won’t break the bank. It’s got that small-town vibe. There’s stuff to do—like the Greek Festival every year, or hiking on the Panhandle Trail. Tomlinson Run State Park is close by if you want to get outside.
Weirton used to be a steel town, and there’s still work in healthcare or stores. Taxes aren’t bad either. You save money but still get that community feel—people know each other, and there’s a cozy kind of charm. It’s just a place where your paycheck stretches further, and you don’t have to stress so much about cash.
4. Springfield, IL
| Average cost of living in Springfield | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $153,738 | $711 | $64,709 |
Springfield, Illinois, isn’t the flashiest city, but it’s quietly one of the cheapest places to live in the US. Let’s start with housing—probably the biggest bill for most folks. Here, a typical home costs way less than the national average, like 30% cheaper in some neighborhoods. Rent is easy on the wallet; a 2-bedroom apartment might run you half of what you’d pay in Chicago or other big cities.
Every day stuff doesn’t break the bank either. Groceries, gas, and utility bills? All lower than what you’d shell out in many urban areas. And it’s not like you’re sacrificing much—there are parks, good schools, and local spots to eat or hang out. For anyone wanting to stretch their dollar without giving up a solid quality of life, Springfield is one of the economical places to live in the US, checking a lot of boxes. It’s proof you don’t need to pay top dollar to have a nice place to live.
5. Mission, TX
| Average cost of living in Mission | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $165,761 | $699 | $60,127 |
Mission is one of the most affordable places to live in the US, nestled in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. With a cost of living index of just 79, Mission is 21% below the national average. The city also offers a budget-friendly lifestyle that saves on your budget.
The median home price here is $165,761, less than half the U.S. average value. Even some popular neighborhoods like Sharyland Plantation, remain accessible compared to national standards. The cost of food and groceries is 17% less than the U.S. average, with local markets like H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Transportation costs in the city are also 13% lower, thanks to affordable gas. As part of Texas, Mission residents enjoy no state income tax, which is a significant saving for households. Even the property taxes are offset by lower home values.
6. Bay City, MI
| Average cost of living in Bay City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $90,930 | $636 | $47,116 |
Bay City, Michigan, sits right on the Saginaw Bay, and it’s one of the most inexpensive places to live in the United States where your dollar goes a lot further. What makes Bay City so cheap? First off, housing—median home prices here are way under the national average, often tens of thousands less than in bigger cities. Renting’s also a total steal, and a nice one-bedroom apartment could cost half what you’d shell out in a coastal town.
Daily stuff won’t empty your wallet either. Groceries from local markets, meals at neighborhood diners, even filling up the gas tank—all cost way less. But don’t let the low costs trick you—there’s plenty going on in this place with the lowest cost of living in America, with parks along the bay, small-town festivals, and that laid-back feel.
7. Eagle Pass, TX
| Average cost of living in Eagle Pass | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $161,889 | $592 | $52,445 |
Eagle Pass sits down in South Texas, right by the Mexico border, and it’s one of the cheapest places to live in the US. Housing’s a big reason, and most two-bedroom apartments rent for under $800 a month, way less than what you’d pay elsewhere. A lot of houses here are under $150,000, so owning a home isn’t some far-off dream.
Day-to-day costs aren’t bad either. Groceries are cheaper at local stores and border markets—fresh stuff and basics don’t cost as much. Gas and utilities are also cheaper, probably ’cause there’s less demand here and we’re close to cheaper resources. Even eating out doesn’t break the bank—little diners and family places have meals under $10. The wages here indeed super high, but with all these low costs, Eagle Pass has a reputation as an economical place to live in the US to call home.
8. Fort Smith, AR
| Average cost of living in Fort Smith | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $176,305 | $594 | $53,853 |
Fort Smith, Arkansas? It’s one of the most affordable places to live in the US. The housing in Fort Smith is a total game-changer. You can find a lovely three-bedroom house here for under $150,000, and you are difficult to find one in a big city such as New York or Boston. The rent of a two-bedroom apartment usually stays under $800 a month, and that’s not some run-down place, either.
Groceries are probably around $100, maybe a little more if you splurge on snacks. Even when it’s hot as heck in summer, electric bills rarely top $100. The gas cost is a few cents cheaper than the national average, so filling up the car doesn’t make you wince. The car insurance is also one of the most affordable options in the city. That’s why folks say Fort Smith’s one of the lowest cost of living in America.
9. Anniston, AL
| Average cost of living in Anniston | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $141,900 | $513 | $48,809 |
Honestly, if you’re hunting for one of the cheapest places to live in the USA, Anniston, Alabama, deserves a serious look. It all really boils down to the numbers. Finding a place to live is where you save big time – you can easily find decent homes selling way below the national average, and renting an apartment won’t drain your wallet.
Stuff like the utility bills, paying property taxes, and even filling your grocery cart at the local Walmart consistently costs less than what folks pay in most other parts of the country. That lower cost for everyday essentials adds up fast each month. While it’s a smaller city without some big-city perks, and the job market can be tighter depending on your field. These are the reasons people find living in this most affordable places to live in the US so budget-friendly.
10. Midland, MI
| Average cost of living in Midland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent | Median House Income |
| $194,845 | $873 | $75,889 |
Midland, Michigan, is not just some quiet little spot in the Great Lakes State. Turns out it’s one of the cheapest places in United States to live. For starters, housing is much cheaper than the national average. Rent a two-bedroom? Buy a little house with a yard? Either way, you’re probably saving thousands a year compared to big cities.
Then there’s the everyday stuff: groceries from the local market, heating bills in winter, even gas for your car—none of it’s gonna empty your wallet. Midland, MI not a busy metro area, so there’s less demand pushing prices up. It’s a solid choice if you wanna live nice without blowing all your cash. That’s why Midland keeps popping up on those economical places to live in the US, no hassle.
How uhomes.com can help you?
Finding a good place to live when you’re a student new to the U.S. can feel really overwhelming—you don’t know the area, you’re worried about overspending, and you just want something close to campus. That’s where uhomes.com comes in, and it’s actually pretty helpful to find student housing in the USA.
We’ve got a ton of student housing options all over the country, but the big ones like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are where they really shine. For student housing in NYC, for example, you can find spots in Brooklyn or Manhattan that are just a 10-minute walk from NYU or Columbia—no long subway rides needed. In Boston, our Harvard University Housing or MIT Housing close to the campus with short commutes are super popular; some are even right around the corner from campus coffee shops where you can grab a latte before class. And in LA, the ones near USC? Many student apartments in LA are within walking distance, so you won’t have to stress about parking or traffic.
What’s nice is the variety. Whether you want a private studio to study quietly, a shared apartment with roommates to split costs, or even a whole flat with your friends to make group reservations, we’ve got all that. Many of our student housing in the US come with basic stuff students need too: on-site laundry so you don’t have to drag clothes to a laundromat, 24/7 gyms to squeeze in a workout between classes, and even study rooms with big tables—perfect for group projects.
Conclusion
There are many options for the cheapest places to live in the US. Some are in a big city, and others are in a small town. From Decatur, Springfield, and Bay City to Fort Smith and Midland, these cities offer low cost of living, reasonable housing prices, and a high quality of life. Factors such as low property taxes, vibrant local economies, and attractive environments make these most affordable places to live in the US appealing to those who want to save money.
FAQ
We have found Missouri to stand out as the frontrunner. Known for its low cost of living, affordable housing, and reasonable healthcare costs, Missouri emerges as a beacon for those seeking a balance between affordability and a rich quality of life.
West Virginia boasts the lowest cost of living nationwide. A major factor is housing: the state also has the country’s lowest median home value.
When seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life, look no further than Boise, Idaho. It is a blend of scenic beauty, a low cost of living, and a burgeoning cultural scene that takes a lot of work to find elsewhere.
Wichita, Kansas, is the best place in the quest for affordability without compromising the quality of life. It is an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a balance between economic viability.
If affordability is your top priority, Decatur, Illinois should be on your radar. Sitting in central Illinois, it’s only three hours from Chicago. U.S. News ranked it the country’s most budget-friendly place to live for 2025-2026. The key drivers? A super low cost of living combined with housing that won’t break the bank.
West Virginia takes the crown as the cheapest places to live in USA to buy a house. Its low property prices, stunning landscapes, and slower pace of life make it a true hidden gem for buyers looking to stretch their dollars.
The cost of living really depends on where you are. Key things like housing affordability, transportation and food costs, plus what you spend on entertainment and recreation all play a part. While places with a higher cost of living often have higher median incomes, that’s not always the case – the two don’t have a direct correlation.
Trimming expenses is an effective strategy for reducing your cost of living. You can make smaller adjustments to your spending, or opt for more significant shifts—think downsizing your place or moving to a less expensive city. Relocating might seem like a hassle, but the payoff in savings can be huge if the cost of living drops dramatically in your new location.
