Cheapest and safest places to live in usa

When it comes to finding the cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers, the best locations to settle down are mostly south of the Mason-Dixon line. Alabama, Texas and Tennessee are just a few states making multiple appearances on our list of the cheapest places to live among U.S. cities.

But if you're thinking about relocating to one of these places with the lowest costs of living, just remember to weigh the pros and cons. Cheap prices are attractive, but the allure can fade if jobs are hard to come by, paychecks are small or the area offers little to do. Plan an extended visit to ensure that one of these cheapest places to live fits your needs.

We compiled our rankings of America's 25 cheapest places to live based on the Council for Community and Economic Research's (opens in new tab) (C2ER) calculations of living expenses in 265 urban areas. We then limited ourselves to metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants. (For smaller urban areas, be sure to read our list of the 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America (opens in new tab).)

In both cases, C2ER's Cost of Living Index measures prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services, such as going to a movie or getting your hair done at a salon.

That data, which sorts through thousands of prices in hundreds of cities, allowed us to pinpoint the places with the absolute lowest costs of living.

Read on for our latest list of the 25 cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers.

12 Cheapest Small Towns in America

Cost of Living Index data is based on average prices of goods and services collected for the third quarter of 2022, with index values based on the new weights for 2022. Metro-level data on populations, household incomes, home values, poverty rates and other demographic information are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Metropolitan area unemployment rates, courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, are not seasonally adjusted, and are as of Dec. 1 for the month of October 2022, which is the latest data available.

The Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.

1. Wausau, Wisconsin

2. Midland, Michigan

3. Lynchburg, Virginia

4. Glens Falls, New York

5. Holtville, California

6. Elizabethtown, Kentucky

7. Logan, Utah

8. Wenatchee, Washington

9. Portland, Maine

10. State College, Pennsylvania

1. Wausau, Wisconsin

The city of Wausau is situated near the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Some of the facilities in the city include the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Yawkey House Museum. If you are a nature lover, The Rib Mountain State Park is one of Wauson’s best parks.  In winter, people living in Wisconsin also love to go sliding in the Sylvan Tubing Hill with their friends. The average home price in Wausau is around $112,700 making it 31% lower than the American average. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Wausau is $652 per month. This city has some of the most affordable housing in America. 

(AreaVibes & TripAdvisor)

Wausau, Wisconsin

2. Midland, Michigan

Situated near the Dow Gardens and the Chippewa Nature Center, Midland is a perfect city if you enjoy walking in nature. Also, if you have children, you should know that the schools are excellent in Midland. According to the Public School Review, the district’s average testing ranking is 10/10 making it in the top 10% of public schools in Michigan. The average home price in Midland is $140,900. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Midland is $750 per month. 

(*AreaVibes)

Midland, Michigan

3. Lynchburg, Virginia

From galleries to urban trails, you won’t get bored in the city, as it is full of history. With the University of Lynchburg, this city is perfect for young people and young families as it is one of the safest and cheapest places in the U.S.  If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Lynchburg is around $149,600. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Lynchburg is around $782 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Lynchburg, Virginia

4. Glens Falls, New York

This small city is in Warren County, has plenty of little shops and restaurants. If you want to enjoy a nice slice of pizza with your friends and family, the Downtown City Tavern is the place to go. Moreover, there are a lot of parks in the city. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Glen Falls is around $150,800. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Glen Falls is around $821 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Glens Falls, New York

5. Holtville, California

Situated in the state of California which is known for its beautiful temperature all year round, Holtville is near the Mexican border. Bombay Beach Marina is about one hour away from the city. It is one of the favorite places of people living in Holtville to refresh in the summer. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Holtville is around $150,900, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in California and in the U.S. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Holtville is around $716 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Holtville, California

6. Elizabethtown, Kentucky

With a total of 650 acres, we can say that there are plenty of parks in the city of Elizabethtown. In summer, Freeman Lake Park is one of the favorite destinations  of people living in this area to go kayaking, swimming and boating. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Elizabethtown is around $162,300, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in America. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Elizabethtown is around $728 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

7. Logan, Utah

From the golf course to the aquatic center and parks, this city is perfect for young families because you will find many facilities. If you don’t have a vehicle, Logan has a great transportation system. The Cache Valley Transit District (CVTD) is the main transportation system in the city. However, there is also an airport shuttle and the Aggie Shuttles fare free services provided by Utah  State University. The university is situated in the middle of the city and has an excellent reputation. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Logan is around $164,000. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Logan is around $668 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Logan, Utah

8. Wenatchee, Washington

Wine tastings and unique markets are one of the many things the city has to offer. With its historical downtown and its beautiful landscape, this city is perfect for young active families. Biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming are some of the activities you can enjoy during summer time in Wenatchee. In winter you can go skiing in the Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort which is only 30 minutes away from the city.  If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Wenatchee is around $208,200. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Wenatchee is around $810 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Wenatchee, Washington

9. Portland, Maine

If you love going to the beach, Portland is the perfect city for you. There are plenty of beautiful beaches near Portland such as Old Orchard Beach and Crescent Beach.  With an estimated population of 65,645 in 2022, it is one of the most populated cities among the 10 cheapest places to live in America. It is the perfect city if you are looking for affordable housing but still want to enjoy all the advantages of the city. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Portland is around $248,000. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Portland is around $969 per month.

(*AreaVibes)

Portland, Maine

10. State College, Pennsylvania

If you are looking for a city with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and parks, State College is  a great city for you and your family. The public schools in the city are also highly rated. You will also find Penn State University in State College.  If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in State College is around $275,700. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in State College is around $968 per month.

(*AreaVibes & Niche)

State College, Pennsylvania

Affordable Housing Options in the U.S.

Even though we’ve looked at some of the cheapest places to live in the U.S., you might want to know other affordable housing options. To avoid breaking the bank, check out the affordable housing options below.

Tiny Houses in U.S.

Tiny houses are small houses of around 400 sq ft. that are usually on wheels so they can easily be parked and transported. Tiny houses on wheels are considered a recreational vehicle in the United States. If you want this type of tiny house, you will have to register your home as a recreational vehicle and figure out a place to park it. However, you can also have a tiny house on a foundation. A tiny house can cost anywhere from $10 000 to $150 000 depending on who built it, the materials used and how big it is. In the U.S., tiny houses regulation and laws are dictated by the state and by the country. You should look out for the specific requirements of your state and county if you want a tiny house. 

(*Tiny House Society)

Some of the tiny house communities and movements in the United States:

• Tiny House Block, California
• Spur, Texas
• The Sanctuary Minnesota Village, Minnesota
• Tiny Homes Detroit, Michigan
• LuxTiny, Arizona

Getting Roommates in U.S.

Depending on which states you are living in, rent can be expensive if you live on a tight budget. The rent price is particularly high in California and Hawaii. Getting roommates is a wonderful way to reduce your housing costs each month. Students in the U.S. mostly get roommates so they can be near their university without having to overspend on their rent or travel far. 

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford in the United States?

Mortgages given to you by a bank depend on the amount of money you earn, debts incurred, and your general living expenses. The higher mortgage you can afford, the more expensive a home you can afford to purchase. 

The price of homes can vary depending on which states you are living in the United States. However, you might want to find out how much mortgage you can afford with this mortgage calculator based on your household income, debts, and down payment amount. 

Household Income 

before taxes, no debts 

Down Payment

Maximum Mortgage You Can Afford in U.S.

Term length: 30 years fixed

Interest rate: 3.500%

$70,000

$20,000

$256,983

$100,000

$30,000

$396,668

$120,000

$40,000

$493,125

Why Do People Move to the U.S.?

People move to the U.S. for the following reasons: 

• Career opportunities
• Stunning nature views
• Investment opportunities
• Outdoor recreational activities: skiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and more!
• Cultural diversity
• Top-notch educational institutions

Conclusion

The U.S. is home to many lakes, mountains, and natural parks, making it perfect for nature lovers. The country also offers excellent career opportunities. With this list of the 10 cheapest places to live in the United States, you should be able to make a choice after determining what type of housing you can afford based on your income and lifestyle. If you are moving across the U.S. soon, you might also want to check out America’s best long distance moving companies. 

Share this article on social media

Relevant for your move

More tips

Moving States

The Cheapest Places to Live in Texas with the Best Quality of Life – 2022

The Cheapest Places to Live in Texas with the Best Quality of Life – 2022 Texas has a lot to offer, from the wide-open spaces of the great plains to the bustling metropolises that dot the

Read more »

Moving States

Cheapest Places to Live in California with the Best Quality of Life – 2022

Cheapest Places to Live in California with the Best Quality of Life – 2022 People move to California to experience its cosmopolitan cities, amazing sunny weather, elegant national parks, and much more. Despite the influx of

Read more »

Moving States

The Top 10 Cheapest Places to live in Colorado with the Best Quality of Life – 2022

The Top 10 Cheapest Places to live in Colorado with the Best Quality of Life – 2022 The state of Colorado is a popular destination for people looking to relocate. The state has a lot of

Read more »

Daily Living

Cheapest Places to Live in Florida with the Best Quality of Life – 2022

Cheapest Places to Live in Florida with the Best Quality of Life – 2022 Florida offers a warm and sunny climate, amazing beach resorts, amusement parks, global attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space

Read more »

Need help moving?

Check out MovingWaldo’s free moving platform and find everything you need for your move. No sign up required!

What is the cheapest but safest place to live?

10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world.

Albania..

Portugal..

Costa Rica..

Panama..

Mexico..

Thailand..

Malaysia..

Vietnam..

Where is the nicest and cheapest place to live in the United States?

Coming in at the top of the C2ER list was Cedar Park, Texas, which was named the most affordable place to live in America. Set outside Austin, Cedar Park made it to the top of the list, due to its low cost of living index (7.2% below the national average) and high income levels (17.8% above the national median).

Where is the best and safest place to live in USA?

Glen Cove, NY. Glen Cove is in Nassau county just 20 miles outside of New York City on the north shore of Long Island. The crime rate here is much lower than the average U.S. city. It is in the 98th percentile for safety in the United States.

What are the top 10 safest places to live in America?

Safest Cities In America.

Glens Falls, New York. The Glens Falls MSA includes Warren and Washington counties. ... .

Midland, Michigan. ... .

State College, Pennsylvania. ... .

The Villages, Florida. ... .

5. Logan, Utah. ... .

Wausau, Wisconsin. ... .

Cambridge, Massachusetts. ... .

Elizabethtown, Kentucky..