Cheap Places To Live In The US
Are you looking for some cheap places to live in the US? Are you desperate to stretch your dollar as far as possible? Living cheaply doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. There are loads of beautiful places across the US that are not only very affordable but also very liveable. I have compiled a list of the top 15 cheap places to live in the US, you never know, one of them could be your future home!
Note: Rental and buying figures are of March 2021 and may be subject to change.
Cheap Places To Live In The US That Are Safe
Florence, Alabama
With rent averaging out at just $418 a month, Florence is among one of the cheap places to live in the US. It is located in the northwest corner of Alabama and is famous for being home to the Rosenbaum Home (the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the state), the birthplace of Helen Keller, and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (where Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and more recorded). It is one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets!
2. Enid, Oklahoma
Enid is the ninth-largest city in Oklahoma and one of the better cheap places to live in the US. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is an average of around $636 a month, and the median home price at just over $97,000. It is home to vibrant shopping, unique dining, and a bustling music scene.
3. Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Located right along the state line with Oklahoma, Siloam Springs is known for the spring water that feeds Sager Creek. It’s right at the edge of the Ozark Mountains and rents is an average of $475 a month, while the median home price is around $153,500. It is by far one of the good and cheap places to live in the US
4. Charleston, Illinois
Charleston is a tiny town located on Lake Charleston and boasts a low cost of living, with average rentals at $490 a month and median home prices at $95,700. If you’re a fan of short commutes then Charleston is for you, with people spending just 26 minutes on average to get to work and back home again. It’s a college town, with Eastern Illinois University located there, making it one of the good cheap places to live in the US.
5. Lawton, Oklahoma
Located nearby Fort Sill, one of the biggest employers in this low-cost city, Lawton has an average rent cost of $515, and the median home price is $124,500. It also has a commute time well below the national average, at 14 minutes one-way. Not to mention, it’s on the border of the picturesque Wichita Mountains (pictured) what a nice option for cheap places to live in the US
6. Fort Smith, Arkansas
With rent averaging below $500 a month, this is one of the greatest cheap places to live in the US! It has a median home value of $109,000 and the beautiful Arkansas river runs through it and is one of the safe cheap places to live in the US
7. Asheboro, North Carolina
If you’re looking for cheap places to live in the US that are also quiet, Asheboro is perfect. It offers gorgeous views of the Uwharrie Mountains and has many budget-friendly housing options. The city’s claim to fame is the North Carolina Zoo, the largest one in the state, and the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame. Average rent prices here are $450 per month.
8. Newburgh, Indiana
With the median home price here set to rise (it is currently $200,000), Newburgh is one of the best cheap places to live in the US. It is a historic town located along the Ohio River and its downtown has a quaint, old-fashioned vibe. With little more than 3,000 people, it is also one of the quieter options on the list.
9. Decatur, Indiana
If cute, cozy fall vibes are up your street, then Decatur is the one for you! Ranked as one of the best places for fall foliage in the country, you can definitely get your fill here. It is located near the Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake and its median home price is $179,950 and rent is around $675 a month for an apartment.
10. Waynesville, Missouri
In the heart of the Ozarks and on the historic Route 66, Waynesville, Missouri is a lovely cheap place to live in the US. Average rent prices here are $590 per month, while the median home value hovers around $184,000.
11. Trotwood, Ohio
If you really want somewhere where you can get a lot of bang for your buck, then Trotwood is second to none. The overall cost of living is 22% lower than the national average with the median monthly rental price coming in at just $600. It is located just outside Dayton and a short drive from Columbus and Cincinnati.
12. Austintown, Ohio
Austintown is in the northeastern “Oh-Penn” region, close to Ohio’s border with Pennsylvania. The average rent is $560, while the median home price is $91,700. This makes it one of the more affordable places to buy your own place!
13. Menomonie, Wisconsin
Said to be one of the best small towns in America to live in, Menomonie boasts an average rent nearly 60 percent lower than the national average, at $675 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If you’re looking to buy, the median house price is $172,900, and it’s on the rise, so you might want to move in quick!
14. Bowling Green, Ohio
This vibrant college town sports a young population with the median age being just 23. Located in northwestern Ohio, just outside of Toledo, it’s in the former Great Black Swamp, which was drained in the 19th century. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $679.
15. Pascagoula, Mississippi
Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Pascagoula became a lot busier during World War II when it helped with the shipbuilding effort. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s an affordable town that affords you access to the shore. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is currently $525 making it a great candidate for cheap places to live in the US.
