Cheapest Places to Live in America: Most Affordable Cities

Cheapest Places to Live in America: Most Affordable Cities
By Olga • Jun 12, 2009 MD

If you’re looking to relocate and want to discover the cheapest places to live in America, or if you’re merely curious as to which cities in the United States require only a minimal amount for you and your family to survive, then look no further. Whether you are planning a move soon, researching affordable housing options, or seeking smart ways to make money on weekends to boost your savings, finding a city with a low cost of living can make a massive difference. We are also going to cite some places where there’s cheap beer and great volunteer opportunities! Read on!

For cheaper places to rent, there’s Wichita, Kansas; Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dayton, Ohio and Knoxville, Tennessee. In Wichita, for instance, you can get a 600-square foot one-bedroom with a huge kitchen and full-size washer and dryer for only $470. How’s that for a steal? Plus get this: golf and country club fees are included. Now that’s a great package for sports aficionados. In Oklahoma City, on the other hand, you can easily get a 900 square foot home with a gym! How’s that for another steal? Now for people who are thinking of moving to Dayton, Ohio soon, keep your eyes peeled as you may have the chance to get a 500 square foot one-bedroom by the lake and with your own parking space, no less! All that for only $570 a month. If you are considering relocating or even starting your own business in a new location, lower monthly rent provides financial flexibility to reach your goals.

Here is a quick summary of highlight features in these budget-friendly cities:

  • Wichita, KS: $470/mo for 600 sq ft, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and golf/country club privileges.
  • Oklahoma City, OK: 900 sq ft home with on-site gym access.
  • Dayton, OH: $570/mo for 500 sq ft lakeside unit with reserved parking space.
  • Tulsa, OK & Knoxville, TN: Great general affordability and low living expenses.

Now in terms of beer (which is hardly a basic consumption, by the way), here’s what I was able to unearth: | Location | Price (USD) | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | Islip, NY | $1.00 | Budget draft | | Pontiac, MI | $1.00 | Local average | | Wenona, IL | $1.00 | Small town rate | | Allentown, PA | $1.25 | Local pub special | | Antigo, WI | $1.25 | Local average | | Wheeling, WV | $1.25 | Local pub special | | Mt. Vernon, IL | $1.50 | Local average | | Texarkana, AR | $1.50 | Regional price | | Waterford, MI | $1.55 | Suburban average | | Shanghai | $1.57 | International reference | | Elmira, NY | $1.75 | Local average | | Lock Haven, PA | $1.75 | Regional price | | Tamaqua, PA | $1.75 | Local average | | Athens, OH | $1.85 | College town price | | Fort Worth, TX | $1.99 | City average | - FrugalZeitGeist

What do you think? Do these types of figures help you figure out if you may want to move soon to one of the cheapest places to live in America or not?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Milliver's

    2010-08-15T01:39:19.000Z

    We'd be happy finding somewhere with comparable rent—we currently pay $800 a month for a small 3-bedroom house in Youngstown, Ohio one block from a huge park—but this time with a moderate climate please. I've lived in Seaside, Oregon (waaaay too windy and rainy), Canyon Lake, Texas (too hot with too many insects), Jackson, Mississippi (same as Texas) and now Youngstown (too many snowy months and not enough sunny days year round to stave off depression). I've been looking in the region of North Carolina. The climate is supposed to be mild there. I did some research on rents in a test city (Durham) and it looks comparable to what we pay here. P.S. My husband would appreciate the beer stats but I'd prefer coffee myself. What does a cappuccino cost in the cheapest US cities? ;~)
  • biro

    2010-02-28T05:08:06.000Z

    Cool...but it still expensive for us. In Mojokerto city, Indonesia you can rent a 36 square metres house with 2 bedroom, kitchen, garage and bathroom only about 200 USD for one year.....
  • Layne

    2010-01-03T00:12:56.000Z

    I used to live in Texarkana Tx.. and now I live in the Bay area of CA ... your figures couldn't be more right!!! My best friend has a 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath house with a living room, kitchen, dining room, garage, a huge backyard, etc... For $680 a month!!!!! You couldn't get a decent rat hole for that little in San Jose!!! It's ridiculous, but I love the weather and the beaches so I suppose its worth it.
  • Furqan

    2009-10-31T08:39:26.000Z

    superkool
  • Lioness

    2010-08-27T18:48:08.000Z

    Great list. I live in Toronto, Canada and i must say that the rent at some of these US towns is ridiculously cheap. In Toronto you'd be lucky to get an average one bedroom apartment in a decent part of town for $1000. I never considered moving to the states but with these cheap prices i just might.
  • Roell

    2011-02-22T14:03:49.000Z

    Thanks Sheila... Someday if I went to America,your info is usefull for me for choice the cheapest one
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