When relocating to a new town, most people consider the living costs. They also determine whether their household income allows them to live comfortably in the new place they now call home. For this reason, they can benefit from discovering the most affordable cities in the US.
Goods and services are becoming costlier by the day. They have risen by 4.2% from the last year. America has witnessed dramatic increases in housing, groceries, and utilities. Thus, finding cities with low cost of living and high quality of life may be challenging.
We made a list of the best affordable places to live in the United States to help you make the right decision faster and settle your family comfortably and safely. We relied on data calculating the median household income within cities against the living costs in the area to determine which are the most affordable cities to live in the US.
1. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an ideal place to raise a family because it offers plenty of entertainment opportunities and an inviting community. Its population is slightly over 324,950, and it is known as one of the most affordable cities in the US.
- Average Income: Residents of this beautiful Midwest area earn around $71,500 and spend 19.56% on everyday costs.
- Living Expenses: Fort Wayne offers a high housing value to its residents, and it is cheaper than the national average, making the living expenses in this town affordable for employed individuals.
2. Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the low cost of living cities, but it also offers its residents a good quality of life. Therefore, the population of 237,887 can live comfortably in this area while saving their money for more important things.
- Average Income: The median household income in Huntsville is a bit over $83,850, and 20.43% of it is spent on costs like groceries, rent, and energy bills.
- Living Expenses: Besides costlier healthcare, Huntsville’s residents have low expenses when it comes to transportation, housing and utilities.
3. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas’s beauty and entertainment options may attract visitors from numerous areas across the United States. However, this city also invites new residents to join its population of nearly 402,800 due to its affordability.
- Average Income: Close to Fort Wayne’s residents, Wichitans earn a median household income of around $71,480 and spend 22.28% on everyday costs.
- Living Expenses: Kansas state may be known for its high taxes. However, its town, Wichita, allows the residents to purchase a home for a price much lower than the national average.
4. Springfield, Missouri
Young professionals are drawn to relocate to Springfield, Missouri, which has a population of 211,147, because of its lively atmosphere and exciting employment opportunities. But they also find it inviting as it is among the most affordable cities to live in the US.
- Average Income: Springfield’s residents earn a median household income of $56,310, which is lower than the other areas we mentioned on this list so far. However, they only spend slightly above 23.60% of their income on everyday costs.
- Living Expenses: The goods and services in this town are affordable, but the housing may be costlier than in other areas.
5. Davenport, Iowa
Although it may seem like a busy and chaotic city at first glance, Davenport, Iowa, is praised for its low living costs. The town has a population of around 101,980, and due to its housing affordability, many of its residents can become homeowners.
- Average Income: Compared to Springfield, Davenport’s residents receive a higher income of nearly $67,200, with 22.92% going to necessary monthly payments.
- Living Expenses: In addition to offering some of the cheapest housing in the US, Davenport also provides considerable property value. However, the real estate taxes in this state may be higher than in other areas.
6. Hickory, North Carolina
Searching for a secluded place to live in the United States? Hickory, North Carolina, may be your best option! This town has a population of 58,242 and an artistic culture you won’t be able to resist getting involved in.
- Average Income: The median household income in this city is approximately $63,530, and residents spend nearly 22.50% of it on basic necessities.
- Living Expenses: As one of the most affordable cities in the US, Hickory welcomes many families and retired individuals as residents. Here, they can purchase a home for a price lower than the national average.
7. Montgomery, Alabama
Are you interested in situating in a history-rich and safe place with beautiful nature? Look no further than Montgomery in Alabama. This town populates over 204,500. It is known for its year-round high temperatures, but low costs of living.
- Average Income: With a median household income of $61,980, residents can afford housing and utilities if willing to spend over 22.80% of their earnings.
- Living Expenses: This town’s rent and house prices are cheap, allowing residents to live comfortably and afford monthly expenses.
8. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Known for its sporting and college activities, Green Bay, Wisconsin, with a population of over 111,000, is also a great place to raise a family without spending a fortune on living costs.
- Average Income: Most households have a median income of around $63,930 and spend 22.58% on necessities.
- Living Expenses: With lower-than-US-average rent and home prices, Green Bay offers housing affordability for its residents.
9. Little Rock, Arkansas
Despite its name, Little Rock, this town in Arkansas is not tiny at all. It has a population of over 209,060 and offers many outdoor activities.
- Average Income: The median household income in this US city is slightly over $74,000, of which nearly 23.30% is needed to cover living costs.
- Living Expenses: Housing, goods, and services in Little Rock, Arkansas, are more affordable than in other areas.
10. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Although known as a metropolitan area for young professionals to thrive, Oklahoma City, with a population of 681,446, is also praised for its affordability. In fact, Oklahoma is one of the cheapest states in the US.
- Average Income: Most households in Oklahoma town earn approximately $74,600, and 22.8% of their income goes towards necessities.
- Living Expenses: The prices for purchasing or renting properties in Oklahoma City are lower than the US average.
11. Lexington, Kentucky
If you want to live in a big city with affordable living costs, consider Lexington, Kentucky! This town has a population of 328,225 and is known for its rich equestrian culture.
- Average Income: This city’s average household income is $76,765, of which 22.97% is spent on living expenses.
- Living Expenses: Lexington’s residents have the privilege and opportunity to become homeowners thanks to the town’s housing affordability.
12. Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana, has a population of around 140,520, unique cuisine, and outstanding music, which is perfect for those who enjoy a slow yet affordable life.
- Average Income: Residents spend 23.77% of the median household income, which is around $74,172, on necessities.
- Living Expenses: Lafayette is one of the low cost of living cities, and its prices for housing, utilities, and transportation are affordable.
13. Omaha, Nebraska
Families with children prioritize moving to a city with various education options, like Omaha, Nebraska, which has a population of slightly over 544,280.
- Average Income: The median household income in this town is $85,942, and 22.60% of it is spent on basic costs.
- Living Expenses: Omaha’s high income, paired with lower-than-national-average rent and house prices, makes living expenses affordable.
14. Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville, Texas’s location is intriguing to tourists. However, it is also an excellent relocation place due to its exciting culture and affordability.
- Average Income: Residents spend over 26% of their $53,014 income on basics.
- Living Expenses: Although the income in this city is lower than that of other areas mentioned on this list, cheap goods and services make it inviting.
15. Lincoln, Nebraska
Although it may be last on the list of most affordable cities in the US, Lincoln, Nebraska, is also a great choice for those who want to connect with nature and live comfortably.
- Average Income: This city’s high median household income, around $77,420, allows residents to spend 23.09% on living costs and still have enough for savings.
- Living Expenses: Lincoln is known for its cheap utilities and affordable housing. However, property taxes are higher than in other places.
Conclusion
Spending less than 25% of the median household income on living expenses gives a city’s residents the opportunity to increase their savings and live more comfortably.
