The Best (And Most Affordable) 14 Places To Live In America In 2023

Steve Jennifer
Updated: April 24th 2023

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The 14 cheapest cities to live in the USA offer affordable housing, food, and healthcare costs, making them great options for those looking to save money on living expenses. These cities include McAllen and Harlingen in Texas, Kalamazoo in Michigan, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee, Wichita Falls and Fort Smith in Arkansas, Joplin in Missouri, Tulsa in Oklahoma, and Conway and Jonesboro in Arkansas. Topeka and Wichita in Kansas, Decatur in Alabama, and Springfield in Missouri also make the list.

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Wichita is a city in south-central Kansas, located on the Arkansas River. It is known for its aviation history, cultural attractions, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Wichita is 12% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $150,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per month.

Decatur is a city in northern Alabama, located along the Tennessee River. It is known for its historic districts, natural beauty, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Decatur is 9% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $160,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $550 per month.

Springfield is a city in southwestern Missouri, located in the Ozark Mountains region. It is known for its lively downtown area, cultural events, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Springfield is 11% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $150,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per month.

Topeka is a city in northeastern Kansas, located on the Kansas River. It is known for its history, culture, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Topeka is 11% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $125,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per month.

Tulsa is a city in northeastern Oklahoma, located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. It is known for its rich oil industry history, diverse culture, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Tulsa is 12% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $170,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month.

Joplin is a city in southwestern Missouri, located near the borders of Kansas and Oklahoma. It is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, friendly community, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Joplin is 14% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $135,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $550 per month.

Fort Smith is a city in western Arkansas, located near the Oklahoma border. It is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Fort Smith is 15% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $125,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $550 per month.

Conway is a city in central Arkansas, located about 30 miles north of the state capital, Little Rock. It is known for its friendly community, historic downtown area, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Conway is 9% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $166,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month.

Wichita Falls is a city in northern Texas, located near the Oklahoma border. It is known for its western heritage, friendly community, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 17% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $115,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month.

Knoxville is a city in eastern Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its natural beauty, lively downtown area, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Knoxville is 14% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $170,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $850 per month.

Memphis has a high crime rate, particularly when it comes to violent crime. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Report, Memphis had a violent crime rate of 1,901.4 incidents per 100,000 people in 2021, which is higher than the national average.

Memphis has struggled with high rates of homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies, particularly in some of its more impoverished neighborhoods. Gang activity and drug use have also contributed to the city's high crime rate. However, it's important to note that crime rates can vary widely within a city and even within specific neighborhoods.

Kalamazoo is a city in southwestern Michigan, known for its vibrant downtown area, diverse community, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Kalamazoo is 12% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $118,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $750 per month.

Harlingen is a city in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, located about 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its friendly community, warm weather, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in Harlingen is 24% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $95,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $625 per month.

McAllen is a city in the southern part of Texas, near the Mexico border. It is known for its warm climate, rich culture, and affordable cost of living.

The cost of living in McAllen is 23% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $136,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $655 per month.