20 US Cities That are Totally Affordable
21st October, 2020
20 US Cities That are Totally Affordable unsplash.com
Thinking of moving cities to save a few extra bucks while you can? Here are some cities that are comparatively affordable to live in. So, let’s get moving! So far, with everything that has happened in 2020, it is only an instinct to save money. Under these uncertain circumstances and with the current state of the economy, it is essential to make smart financial choices. Since big investments, like buying a new house, are out of the question, you have to find ways to save money. And if you live in a big city, your expenses must be high already. So, until things get back to normal and to help you save money, we have compiled a list of the most affordable cities to live in.
Memphis, Tennessee www.gousa.in
01
Memphis, Tennessee

Even though the population of Memphis is quite large, the cost of living in the city seems to be unaffected by it. Its tax rates are among the lowest as compared to other cities—living in this city costs around 14 percent less than the national average, with residential rent ranging from $680 to $1800. Moreover, investing in real estate is quite affordable in Memphis as compared to property prices in some of the most expensive cities in the US. One an average, a regular-sized home would cost around $260,000 in Memphis. The cost of living and utilities in this city are also quite less as compared to other cities. Moreover, since this city is closer to the river of Mississippi, it hosts several large shipping and transportation industries, which opens up employment opportunities for locals. Although Memphis has been ranked as one of the poorest cities in the US, it is home to Fortune 500 companies like FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone.

Pittsburg, Kansas smartgrowthamerica.org
02
Pittsburg, Kansas

With noticeably lower prices for food, rent, and basic utilities as compared to the national average, this city offers a fairly decent way of life. Pittsburg provides its residents with great healthcare facilities, educational opportunities, and assurance of public safety. Moreover, the cost of living is approximately 15 percent lower than the rest of the nation, with rent ranging between $530 and $1790. Although this city is modest in size, it offers you the experience of living in a big city. The population of the city is slightly over 20,000; and most of these residents choose to rent their houses instead of owning them. The median cost of buying a house in Pittsburg is around $88,500, which is quite cheap when compared to other major cities in the United States. Due to adequate availability of employment opportunities, the unemployment rate in this city is quite low.

Burlington, Iowa commons.wikimedia.org
03
Burlington, Iowa

Peppered with a variety of options for entertainment, the city of Burlington is known to offer an interesting lifestyle. It features a wide variety of neighbourhoods occupied by communities that are close-knit and coexist in a friendly way. The cost of living in Burlington is also significantly lower than several other cities in the western region of the country. The cost of utilities is almost eight percent lower than the national average, which makes it considerably easier on the wallet for people living here. The prices of food might be higher, but residents save up enough in other areas, such as rent, which falls between $480 and $1,790. The town is quiet, and is excellent for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities. Its remarkable history and well-maintained landmarks make it an ideal location for people to start a family or new business venture. Burlington is not too far from Des Moines, which is considered one of the richest cities in the US.

Knoxville, Tennessee edition.cnn.com
04
Knoxville, Tennessee

The city of Knoxville offers its residents the best of both worlds, with its bustle and a laid-back, family-oriented approach. The historical heritage of the city adds to the charm of living here and also makes it a point of attraction for many history enthusiasts. Knoxville also houses the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. One of the biggest advantages of living in Knoxville is that its overall cost of living—including food, rent, and transportation—is considerably low. While the rental rates range from $600 to $1800, the cost of food and utilities is about 16 percent lower than that in most cities. Considering that most residents own the houses they live in, the lower cost of utilities comes as a relief. Since the city is home to the University of Tennessee, it is also a prime location for families and students who relocate here from across the country.

Springfield, Missouri www.imstechnologygroup.com
05
Springfield, Missouri

Offering a suburban style of living, the city of Springfield is virtually populated with tenants. With lower prices for utilities, the cost of living in this city is about 11 percent lower than the rest of the nation. Moreover, housing-related costs, such as rent and mortgage payments, are 20 to 30 percent lower than those in the rest of the country; rent prices range between $567 to $1791. The city, with an unemployment rate of approximately five percent, offers incredible employment opportunities that make it an ideal city to earn well and start a family in. The city is also abundant in terms of cultural heritage and history, think establishments like the Springfield Regional Opera, Springfield Ballet, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Springfield is popularly known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” and the “Birthplace of Route 66”, a national highway that is dotted with many historical attractions.

Cleveland, Tennessee clevelandtn.gov
06
Cleveland, Tennessee

Situated in the southeast corner of Tennessee and known to be one of the most inexpensive cities to live in, Cleveland can be a good choice for you if you wish to save money. The rent prices are usually between $530 and $1,790, which is quite affordable as compared to those of the rest of the nation. The prices of food and utilities are almost 23 and 18 percent lower than the national average, respectively. With the population being well under 50,000, this small city could be an ideal residential spot for you. The city features several hiking trails and parks for whenever you want to go for a quick hike and a bit of fresh air. It is surrounded by beautiful greens because of the Ocoee Region, and is often referred to as the “The City with Spirit” by the locals. The city is also rich in cultural history, and features several historical museums and libraries.

Statesboro, Georgia www.statesboroga.gov
07
Statesboro, Georgia

With a population that goes just over 30,000, Statesboro is an excellent choice for relocation. It is located in Bulloch County and is largely occupied by families and university students. Average rent prices here range between $530 to $1,790, and the prices of other basic utilities are about 12 percent lower than those of the rest of the nation. Statesboro offers a suburban feel, and most of the residents living in this city tend to rent their houses instead of buying them. The median cost of buying a house in this city is around $136,224, which is not inexpensive, but definitely more affordable as compared to investing in a house in cities like New York. Statesboro is home to Georgia Southern University (which houses the Center for Wildlife Education), proving to be an ideal city for students to live in.

Omaha, Nebraska www.bradwilliamsphotography.com
08
Omaha, Nebraska

With a majority of its population comprising younger people and the cost of utilities being approximately 14 percent lower than average, Omaha is a great place to consider moving to. It is known to be one of the only cities that is a popular residential hub for both billionaires and broke students. The rent prices here range from $666 to $1,800, whereas the median cost of buying a house is approximately $160,000. Moreover, due to job opportunities within the city’s limits, it can be an ideal spot for people who are beginning their careers. People living in Omaha often do not need to spend too much on living and utilities and are able to save over 70 percent of their earnings each month. Moreover, the city also has a thriving business scene, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of other entertainment options. In 2001, the city was also identified as one of the nation’s top 10 high-tech havens by “Newsweek”, which makes it an excellent spot for young information technology (IT) students, graduates, and professionals.

Louisville, Kentucky www.today.com
09
Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, which is located in Jefferson County, has been growing steadily over the years and is considered one of the best and most habitable cities in Kentucky. The cost of utilities and living remains six percent lower than most cities in the country, which makes it one of the cheapest cities to live in the US. Moreover, rent prices range between $640 and $1,900, which is quite reasonable for a city of this size and given the resources it provides. The residents of Louisville get to experience all four seasons, ranging from warm summer days to snowy nights. The city also offers terrific entertainment and recreation options, including beautiful parks, a wide variety of restaurants, and festivals that are hosted almost throughout the year. The population of the city is approximately 617,790 and most of these people are families and young professionals.

Birmingham, Alabama greathomesalabama.com
10
Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham is referred to as “The Magic City” and for good reason. There are hundreds of restaurants scattered all over the city, which is a great factor for those who are food enthusiasts and enjoy going out with their friends and/or families. It is also quite affordable to live in since the regular costs, such as utilities, rent, transportation are considered about nine percent lower than the national average. The median cost of buying a house here is $85,000; and the average rent prices in the city range from $700 to $1,791, which is quite low as compared to those of other cities. In fact, in 2018, SmartAsset ranked the city as one of the top ten cheapest places to live in. Birmingham is a great option to consider if you’re looking for affordable housing opportunities. There are also a lot of employment opportunities for people here, especially students who are looking for part-time jobs while studying in college.

Buffalo, New York www.tripsavvy.com
11
Buffalo, New York

Earlier considered one of the poorest cities in the US, Buffalo is quickly becoming one of the most popular residential destinations in the state. If you are looking for a cheap city to live in without leaving the state of New York, then Buffalo is definitely a good place to consider. The housing options are quite diverse and a majority of people prefer to rent their homes. The average rent ranges between $650 and $1,800, whereas the approximate cost of buying a property is $89,800. While it can be quite cold in winter, the city offers different types of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and skiing for the rest of the year. There are several concerts and festivals happening throughout the year if you are someone who enjoys going out with your friends and meeting new people. Buffalo is also quite popular for its museums and sports teams.

Dayton, Ohio www.dayton.com
12
Dayton, Ohio

The city of Dayton is well known as one of the most affordable cities to live in the US. The cost of utilities here is about 16 percent lower than the national average, and the rent ranges anywhere between $495 and $1,800. The educational institutions in the city offer a wide variety of programs related to art and other subjects. It is a great city to consider moving in if you are planning on going to college soon or if you have children who might need to go to university in a few years. It is also a great city for freshers to start internships or new jobs, since the city offers a large variety of employment opportunities. Dayton has ample opportunities for small business owners too. The city is also proud of its cultural and historical heritage, and houses several museums and centers to boast just that.

Harlingen, Texas www.myharlingen.us
13
Harlingen, Texas

Located in the central region of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is an ideal spot to live in if you want to move away from busy cities. Harlingen is known for its affordable housing opportunities, with rent prices between $630 and $1,800. Owing to this, it is fairly inexpensive to live in Harlingen. It is also due to this reason that the city is good for college students and people who have recently started working. The median price of a house here is $87,500, which is significantly low for a popular city in Texas. So if you are planning to invest in a home for your family, Harlingen is definitely a good option to consider because of its friendly neighborhoods and above-average public schools. It is situated in Cameron County and has an average population of 65,129. The cost of food and utilities is about 12 percent lower than the national average.

Kalamazoo, Michigan www.gousa.in
14
Kalamazoo, Michigan

If you are someone who loves nature and wants it right around your home, then Kalamazoo is the city for you. With prices of utilities being about 20 percent lower than the national average and rent prices being between $530 to $1,800, the city is a great place to live in to save money. Moreover, Kalamazoo is known for its farmers’ markets and beer. The city is home to Western Michigan University, the research facilities of which attract aspiring students from around the country. Moreover, the Kalamazoo Promise is a scholarship that funds tuition for students of Kalamazoo public schools, which is a major benefit of living in this city. Pfizer, which is one of the most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world, has an important operation based in this city, which makes it even more desirable for research students and graduates from related fields to move to.

Colorado Springs, Colorado www.planetware.com
15
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Known to house several military bases and college campuses, Colorado Springs has a considerably low rate of unemployment. The cost of utilities is about 26 percent lower than the national average, and the rent ranges between $769 and $1,791. The city is also a hub for adventure lovers, and is known to have some of the best ski resorts. Although Colorado Springs is technically a city, it feels quite suburban because of its strong sense of community. It is ideal for families to live in, and is also quite close to Denver. The city is recognised as the epicenter of the United States Olympic and Paralympic movements, and is thus known as “Olympic City USA”. The city is also known for its pleasant climate throughout the year, which improves the quality of life of the people living there.

San Antonio, Texas www.inspirato.com
16
San Antonio, Texas

Considered among the fastest-growing cities in the nation, San Antonio is gaining popularity due to its commitment to maintaining an excellent art community. Moreover, its solid foundation in the healthcare sector is impressive. The rent in the city may range between $718 and $1791, and the overall cost of living is about 14 percent lesser than the national average. Although the city is quite big and often experiences a lot of traffic, it has an idyllic feel to it due to its close proximity to Hill Country. It teems with several restaurants and shopping opportunities, and is also home to museums, parks, and other forms of entertainment and recreation. The populace of San Antonio is culturally diverse, and you will find people from all walks of life coexisting peacefully here. San Antonio is also a military-friendly city and features several bases around town. People working for or retiring from the military may receive ample benefits when living in this city.

Fayetteville, Arkansas arkansasrazorbacks.com
17
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville is set in the Ozarks and is commonly known for its friendly residents and neighborhoods. It is one of the most affordable cities in the US because of its lower cost of living. Rent prices here range between $570 and $1,790. Fayetteville mainly attracts students and young working professionals, but it is also said to be an ideal place to live in after retirement. The unemployment rate in this city is quite low and the median house price is approximately $207,600. Its residents are more inclined towards renting out residential properties as opposed to investing in them. No wonder, then, that this city is gaining popularity by the day. Due to its entrepreneurial history, an active art community, diversified culinary scene, and enthusiasm for music and festivals, it is a great location to consider when looking for a new home.

Conway, Arkansas conwayarkansas.gov
18
Conway, Arkansas

Conway is located in Faulkner County and is one of the cheapest cities to live in the US. But what’s wonderful is that its residents barely have to travel out of the city for work. With the cost of living being approximately 22 percent lesser than the national average—and rent prices ranging between $597 and $1,790—the city appears to be self-sufficient and offers excellent amenities, such as education, shopping, and healthcare, among others. It is also quite close to the Arkansas River and Lake Conway, which allows residents to engage in fun outdoor activities, such as fishing and nature trails. Moreover, due to a high availability of employment opportunities, as well as the availability of highly rated public schools, Conway is a great choice for families and students. It is also home to the University of Arkansas, which attracts several aspiring students from even the most expensive cities in the US.

Greenville, South Carolina www.visitgreenvillesc.com
19
Greenville, South Carolina

With an average population of 68,000, Greenville is one of the most popular and affordable cities in the country. Formerly known for its textile heritage, it has gone on to become one of the most rapidly growing metropolises of the nation. The cost of living here is approximately five percent lower than the national average. Thanks to its merciful climate, the city is now attracting people from all over the nation, including the richest cities in the US. The average rent prices here range between $845 and $1,200, whereas the median house value is $292,400. Due to the slightly higher price of real estate here, most prefer renting their accommodation instead of investing in one of their own. The city is also filled with a plethora of options for entertainment, such as restaurants, coffee shops, markets, and parks.

Lima, Ohio en.wikipedia.org
20
Lima, Ohio

Situated in northwest Ohio, Lima is a small city that was earlier known for its impressive production of automotive parts, such as steam locomotives. There are several parks in the city where you can spend some time with your loved ones; the city also offers a lot of options when it comes to schools. The cost of living in this city is approximately 11 percent lower than the national average; rent rates start at about $527 and go on till $1,790. The median house value in Lima is $67,400, which is considered quite affordable when compared to the rest of the country. It is apparent why Lima is one of the most affordable cities to live in. Although it is known to be one of the most dangerous cities in the US, it comprises many neighborhoods in the southwest that ensure safety and wellbeing.