Looking to make a move in the future? Want the perks of the city without all the expenses of living in the city?
Believe it or not, you can find cheap cities to live here in the U.S. There are cities where you can find jobs and afford to get housing too.
Check out these cheapest cities to live here in the U.S.
1. Harlingen, Texas
Located about 30 miles east of the Rio Grande, this small city offers up bargains on everything from getting your hair done to buying a steak. Nearly everything from groceries to services cost less than the national average in Harlingen.
If you hate winter and love beaches, Harlingen has you covered. It is less than an hour to San Padre Island beaches and offers a very temperate winter climate.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has a lot to offer its residents. It’s close to the Mississippi River which creates job opportunities. The housing market for renters and buyers is hard to beat anywhere in the U.S. The median house price is around $150,000, well below the national average.
Memphis is close to the country capital of the world, Nashville. It offers mild winters and a longer season of warm weather.
3. Kalamazoo, Michigan
While this small city does have a higher than normal rate of poverty, it’s also rich in culture. The home of Western Michigan University’s many campuses. It is also home to the drug company Pfizer and the medical supply company Stryker.
The Kalamazoo Promise started from a group of anonymous donors offering free college tuition for all students who graduate from high school in the Kalamazoo Public Schools.
The city boasts a low unemployment rate and cost of living significantly below the national average.
4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This city offers all the benefits of a big city. It has a philharmonic orchestra and a successful NBA team. Yet, housing costs, both to buy and rent are 28% below the national average. The cost of living is over 15% below the national average. Learn more in this article about the real estate market in Oklahoma.
5. Jonesboro, Arkansas
Often college towns across the U.S. are more expensive than other places. Not so in Jonesboro, home to Arkansas State University. This city has an unemployment rate well below the national average. Housing in Jonesboro is more than 28% below the national average.
6. Syracuse, New York
It’s unusual to find a city in the northeast on the cheapest places to live list. Syracuse manages to fit the bill. It costs less for housing there than other places in the region. Families are able to buy their own housing.
Its location offers many things to do. Visit the Finger Lakes region for summer fun and wine tasting. Want to see some famous horse racing, the Saratoga Springs Race Course is nearby too.
7. Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is a gem in southern hospitality. Its residents spend more than 21% less on housing than other places in the U.S. Greenville has mild climate year-round. It has close proximity to the mountains. While not the textile giant it once was, other kinds of manufacturing are growing in this southern city.
8. Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a small city that feels like a small town. Most residents are homeowners. It has a vibrant nightlife in the town making it a fun place to put down roots. Most things including medical expenses, food, utilities and even housing costs below the national average in Youngstown.
9. Fayetteville, Arkansas
This is another small city that has a small-town vibe. However, it is home to the large University of Arkansas. Also fueling the economy is the headquarters of Wal-Mart nearby. Both of these help to keep unemployment low in Fayetteville.
Housing in Fayetteville is below the national average. Other costs like food and insurance also rank well below the national average.
Cheapest Cities in America to Live
Are you planning your big move? The nice thing is that there are cities all across the U.S. that are affordable. Some of the cheapest cities from Oklahoma to Ohio to South Carolina do exist.
For more about living your best life and where to do it, check out our lifestyle section on our blog.