Sam SmithThe cost of living in the United States varies dramatically by region, driven primarily by housing prices, local wages, taxes, and everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. While coastal and major metro areas often command high prices, many cities—especially across the Midwest, South, and parts of the Northeast—remain significantly more affordable than the national average.
This list highlights 50 of the cheapest cities to live in America, based on recent cost-of-living indexes, median home prices, and overall affordability relative to income. These cities generally fall well below the U.S. cost-of-living baseline (100) and offer lower barriers to homeownership or rent, making them attractive options for retirees, remote workers, families, and first-time buyers.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities to Live in the U.S.
1. Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory is an affordable city in the Southeast, with housing costs well below the national average. Its economy is supported by manufacturing, furniture production, and healthcare. Residents benefit from low utilities and transportation expenses, while enjoying a small-city lifestyle with access to parks and cultural amenities. The city has a moderate climate and strong community ties, making it attractive for families and retirees seeking a low-cost, comfortable, and stable living environment.
2. Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington offers one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S., particularly in housing and daily expenses. Historically a manufacturing and river port city, it has transitioned to healthcare, education, and retail employment. Residents enjoy affordable utilities and transportation, with cultural and recreational options like theaters, museums, and nearby outdoor activities. While incomes are modest, Huntington’s extremely low costs allow residents to stretch budgets further, making it appealing for retirees, students, and low-income households.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne combines a stable economy with low costs, particularly in housing, utilities, and groceries. The city hosts a mix of manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare jobs, supporting a diverse workforce. Residents enjoy affordable property taxes and reasonable public services, while having access to parks, cultural venues, and educational institutions. Fort Wayne’s Midwestern charm, coupled with low living expenses, makes it appealing for families, first-time homebuyers, and anyone seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing community amenities.
4. Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls offers very affordable housing and low property taxes, making it one of Texas’ cheapest metros. Its economy centers on energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, with a strong military presence nearby. Residents enjoy low utilities and transportation costs, while still accessing local parks, cultural events, and recreational activities. The cost advantages make it attractive to families and retirees, though income levels are modest. Wichita Falls provides a practical balance of small-city amenities and significant cost savings.
5. Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a classic example of a low-cost Midwestern city, with home prices and everyday expenses well below the national average. Its economy historically relied on steel manufacturing but has diversified into healthcare, education, and small businesses. Residents benefit from affordable housing, utilities, and transportation, while enjoying local cultural attractions, parks, and historical sites. Though economic growth is moderate, the city’s low cost of living allows households to maximize their budgets and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
6. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is an affordable Southern city with low housing, transportation, and utility costs. Its economy is diverse, anchored by logistics, shipping, music tourism, and healthcare, providing varied employment options. The city offers cultural richness, from blues and jazz heritage to museums and parks, while residents can access affordable daily living. Certain neighborhoods have higher crime rates, so location matters. Overall, Memphis combines low cost-of-living advantages with the amenities of a large urban center, appealing to families and budget-conscious individuals.
7. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City offers affordable housing and overall living costs while providing big-city amenities, including arts, culture, and sports. Its economy is diverse, with strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Residents enjoy reasonable utilities and transportation, making it attractive for families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle. While some neighborhoods vary in safety and school quality, the metro area’s low costs relative to amenities provide opportunities to maintain a high quality of life on a budget.
8. Toledo, Ohio
Toledo is a low-cost Midwestern city with particularly affordable housing and daily expenses. Historically a manufacturing hub, it now hosts healthcare, education, and service-sector jobs. Residents enjoy inexpensive utilities, transportation, and access to Lake Erie for recreation. The city provides cultural amenities, museums, and parks, but incomes are modest. For those prioritizing cost savings, Toledo offers a practical, budget-friendly option with urban conveniences, making it suitable for families, first-time homeowners, and retirees looking for affordable living in a city environment.
9. Springfield, Illinois
Springfield combines affordability with the benefits of a state capital. Housing, utilities, and everyday costs remain below national averages, while employment opportunities exist in government, healthcare, and education. Residents enjoy access to historical sites, parks, and cultural amenities. Though smaller than Chicago or St. Louis, Springfield offers a stable, low-cost urban environment. Its reasonable cost of living allows households to maximize savings while accessing city services and local commerce, making it appealing to families, government workers, and retirees.
10. Evansville, Indiana
Evansville provides one of the lowest cost-of-living environments in Indiana, with affordable housing, utilities, and groceries. Its economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, and education, supporting a stable workforce. The city features parks, cultural centers, and local events while keeping daily living costs low. Evansville’s modest urban environment allows residents to enjoy city amenities without the higher prices of larger metros. Its affordability, combined with employment opportunities and community infrastructure, makes it attractive for families, retirees, and budget-conscious individuals.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities to Live in the U.S.
| # | City | State | Region | Cost of Living vs U.S. Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hickory | NC | Southeast | ~24% below | Manufacturing hub, very cheap housing |
| 2 | Huntington | WV | Appalachia | ~23% below | Extremely low rents & home prices |
| 3 | Fort Wayne | IN | Midwest | ~22% below | Stable jobs, low utilities |
| 4 | Wichita Falls | TX | South | ~22% below | Cheap housing, smaller metro |
| 5 | Youngstown | OH | Midwest | ~21% below | Among the lowest home prices in U.S. |
| 6 | Memphis | TN | South | ~21% below | Low costs, crime varies by area |
| 7 | Kansas City | MO | Midwest | ~20% below | Strong amenities for price |
| 8 | Toledo | OH | Midwest | ~20% below | Very affordable housing |
| 9 | Springfield | IL | Midwest | ~20% below | Government & healthcare jobs |
| 10 | Evansville | IN | Midwest | ~19% below | Cheap rent, quiet metro |
| 11 | Buffalo | NY | Northeast | ~19% below | Cheapest large NE city |
| 12 | Little Rock | AR | South | ~19% below | Low housing & utilities |
| 13 | Green Bay | WI | Midwest | ~18% below | Stable economy, low rent |
| 14 | Birmingham | AL | South | ~18% below | Healthcare & banking center |
| 15 | Cincinnati | OH | Midwest | ~18% below | Affordable for metro size |
| 16 | Des Moines | IA | Midwest | ~17% below | Good wages vs costs |
| 17 | Oklahoma City | OK | South | ~17% below | Large, very affordable metro |
| 18 | Knoxville | TN | South | ~17% below | Rising costs but still cheap |
| 19 | Louisville | KY | South | ~17% below | Logistics & healthcare hub |
| 20 | Omaha | NE | Midwest | ~16% below | Strong job market |
| 21 | Indianapolis | IN | Midwest | ~16% below | Large city, low rents |
| 22 | St. Louis | MO | Midwest | ~16% below | Cheap housing stock |
| 23 | Columbus | GA | South | ~16% below | Military-driven economy |
| 24 | Dayton | OH | Midwest | ~16% below | Aerospace & defense |
| 25 | Cleveland | OH | Midwest | ~15% below | Very cheap housing |
| 26 | Lubbock | TX | South | ~15% below | College town, cheap rent |
| 27 | Winston-Salem | NC | Southeast | ~15% below | Growing but affordable |
| 28 | Jackson | MS | South | ~15% below | Extremely low housing costs |
| 29 | Fayetteville | AR | South | ~15% below | Walmart-region growth |
| 30 | El Paso | TX | Southwest | ~15% below | Low rent, border economy |
| 31 | Syracuse | NY | Northeast | ~14% below | Snowy, but very affordable |
| 32 | Rochester | NY | Northeast | ~14% below | Cheap homes, healthcare |
| 33 | Albuquerque | NM | Southwest | ~14% below | Mixed safety, low rent |
| 34 | Columbia | SC | Southeast | ~14% below | Government & university |
| 35 | Lexington | KY | South | ~13% below | College & healthcare |
| 36 | Baton Rouge | LA | South | ~13% below | Cheap housing, climate risk |
| 37 | Grand Rapids | MI | Midwest | ~13% below | Rising but still affordable |
| 38 | Wichita | KS | Midwest | ~13% below | Aerospace jobs |
| 39 | San Antonio | TX | South | ~12% below | Cheapest large TX metro |
| 40 | Chattanooga | TN | South | ~12% below | Internet & logistics hub |
| 41 | Peoria | IL | Midwest | ~12% below | Very low rents |
| 42 | Davenport | IA | Midwest | ~12% below | Quad Cities region |
| 43 | Lafayette | LA | South | ~12% below | Oil & gas influence |
| 44 | Tulsa | OK | South | ~11% below | Cheap homes, arts scene |
| 45 | Augusta | GA | Southeast | ~11% below | Military economy |
| 46 | McAllen | TX | South | ~11% below | One of lowest rents in U.S. |
| 47 | Corpus Christi | TX | South | ~10% below | Coastal but affordable |
| 48 | Reno | NV | West | ~10% below | Rising costs recently |
| 49 | Boise | ID | West | ~8% below | No longer cheap, included historically |
| 50 | Springfield | MO | Midwest | ~8% below | Affordable smaller city |
Closing
Affordability alone, however, should not be the sole factor when choosing where to live. While these cities offer meaningful savings, they differ widely in job availability, public services, crime rates, climate, healthcare access, and long-term economic growth. Some markets remain stable and undervalued, while others are beginning to experience rising prices as migration patterns shift.
For anyone considering relocation, the most effective approach is to pair cost-of-living data with personal priorities—employment prospects, lifestyle preferences, safety, and future growth potential. Used thoughtfully, this list serves as a starting point for identifying U.S. cities where lower living costs can translate into a higher quality of life.