The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: US Cities Edition

25. Lake Charles, Louisiana

• Cost of living: 13.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 81,166
• Median household income: $52,738 (U.S. average: $83,592)
• Median home value: $203,000 (U.S. average: $540,600)
• Unemployment rate: 3.9% (U.S. average: 4.3%)

Tucked away in steamy Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is steeped in Creole and Cajun culture. An economy bolstered by petrochemical refining, casinos, tourism and higher education helps give the metro area an unemployment rate a tick lower than the national average.

At the same time, the cost of living runs 13.3% lower than the national average. As is typical with every city on this list, affordable housing leads the way. Overall housing costs are 29.6% lower than what the average American pays. That includes everything from mortgages and rents to insurance and other allied costs.

Utilities, which cost about 25% less than the U.S. average, are another notable way that locals save on their bills. Groceries, healthcare and miscellaneous goods and services all run 4% to 7% lower than the national average.

Tourists flock to metro Lake Charles – also known as the Lake Area – thanks to its abundance of lakes and waterways, as well as its casinos. But the metro area has significant academic life, too, thanks to the presence of McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College.

Just be forewarned that the metro area's poverty rate of 21.1% – while 10% higher than the state level of 18.7% — is much higher than the national rate of 12.2%. That sad reality also helps keep costs in check.

24. Abilene, Texas

• Cost of living: 13.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 130,033
• Median household income: $60,605
• Median home value: $185,900
• Unemployment rate: 3.0%

Established in 1881 by cattlemen as a shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Abilene was named after the famous cattle town of Abilene, Kansas. It occupies the rolling plains of West Texas, sitting just off the Texas caprock region about 150 miles west of Fort Worth, where the geography transitions into a rugged, open landscape traditionally dominated by ranching and oil derricks.

The institutional economy provides high stability, anchored heavily by Dyess Air Force Base (a major B-1B Lancer bomber hub) and a strong higher education sector featuring three private universities — Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry. Healthcare systems like Hendrick Health and regional agricultural enterprises round out the primary employment base.

Living expenses in Abilene are over 13% less than the national average. Most of the savings come from cheap housing costs that are 37.5% lower than the national average. That's where the big savings end; groceries, utilities, healthcare and transportation are only 0.9% to 5.7% below the norm.

Culturally, Abilene leans into both its cowboy heritage and its official designation as the "Storybook Capital of America," showcasing the world’s largest public collection of sculptural storybook characters downtown. Outdoor recreation centers around Lake Abilene and Abilene State Park, which offer camping, fishing, and hiking among native mesquite and cedar trees.

23. Enid, Oklahoma

• Cost of living: 13.7% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 50,653
• Median household income: $62,125
• Median home value: $154,900
• Unemployment rate: 3.5%

Enid is the first of three Sooner State locales to make the list of cheapest places to live. Previously, it made our list of cheapest small towns in America. However, it's population has recently outgrown that list.

Known as the "Wheat Capital of Oklahoma," you can probably guess what one pillar of Enid's economy is all about. In addition to agriculture, major sources of employment include Vance Air Force Base, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and AdvancePierre Foods.

Budget-friendly, the cost of living in Enid is 13.7% below what the average American pays. Housing expenses are over a quarter less than the U.S. average; the typical home costs $420,000, and the average renter pays $1,060. Locals save from 5% to 7% on everything from groceries to utilities to healthcare costs. Transportation costs are 16% below the national average.

On the cultural front, the Enid Symphony Orchestra has been delighting locals ever since its founding in 1905. History buffs will want to check out the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center and Enid's historic downtown.

22. Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Cost of living: 13.8% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 73,280
• Median household income: $59,226
• Median home value: $196,100
• Unemployment rate: 3.5%

Kalamazoo annually ranks among the cheapest places to live in the U.S. Sadly, low costs are very much a necessity for too many of its residents.

In the city of Kalamazoo proper (pop. 73,280), nearly 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. At the metro level, which includes Portage, Michigan, the figure is 11.2%. The U.S. and Michigan state poverty rates are 12.2% and 13.5%, respectively.

Another downside? Michigan is among the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. The median property tax rate is relatively high, and fuel taxes are high compared to other states.

On the brighter side, Western Michigan University, with its multiple campuses and research facilities, is a major driver of the local economy. Medical equipment maker Stryker (SYK) is headquartered in the city, and Pfizer (PFE), the drug company, maintains its largest manufacturing site in Kalamazoo.

As for recreational activities, the Kalamazoo Nature Center hosts free daily activities. Nearby parks offer a combined 140 miles of trails and three swimming beaches. If you want to get away to the big city, Chicago is less than three hours by car if traffic is merciful.

21. Augusta-Aiken, Georgia/South Carolina

• Cost of living: 13.8% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 636,658
• Median household income: $72,176
• Median home value: $262,100
• Unemployment rate: 3.3%

While most sports enthusiasts associate Augusta with the storied Masters Tournament, there's much more to this city than golf. The metro area, which includes Aiken, South Carolina, is a major center for cybersecurity companies thanks to the presence of the U.S. Army Cyber Command at nearby Fort Gordon.

Augusta is also a regional hub for medicine and biotechnology, supported by Augusta University, the state's only public health sciences graduate university — and the allied Medical District of Augusta.

Happily for locals, the area remains among the country's cheapest places to live, despite boasting so many well-paid occupations. Augusta-Aiken's cost of living is 13.8% below the U.S. average, helped by housing costs that are almost 33.7% less than what the typical American pays. Folks pay about 10% less than the national average for transportation, and get about a 5% break off groceries. Utilities are almost 4% higher than average.

Older citizens catch yet another break: Georgia is one of the more tax-friendly states for retirees. The flat income tax rate has been lowered to 4.99%. Although it partially taxes pensions and 401(k)/IRA distributions, they offer a hefty exclusion for those over 65. Residents age 62 and older can exclude up to $35,000 of their retirement income, and those age 65 and older can exclude up to $65,000 of retirement income.

As much as the Masters dominates outsiders' imagination about this city, which sits a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Atlanta, it has much more going on than golf. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, minutes from downtown Augusta, offers 14 miles of hiking trails. Aiken is home to the University of South Carolina - Aiken and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

20. Knoxville, Tennessee

• Cost of living: 14.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 198,708
• Median household income: $57,298
• Median home value: $294,700
• Unemployment rate: 2.8%

Thrifty types should volunteer to check out Knoxville and its greater metro area, the only city in Tennessee to make the list for inexpensive living. The city is notable for its across-the-board affordability for everything from food to transportation, according to the Cost of Living Index.

A cost of living that runs 13.7% below what the average American pays only adds to Enid's budget-friendly appeal. Housing expenses are over a quarter less than the U.S. average; the typical home costs $420,000 and the average renter pays $1,060. Locals save from 5 to 7% on everything from groceries to utilities to healthcare costs. While transportation costs are 16% below the national average.

Tennessee comes in as the second most tax-friendly state to live out your retirement. It also has no estate and inheritance taxes. The Volunteer State also earned a spot on Kiplinger's list of States With the Lowest Property Taxes.

Consider Knoxville, the original state capital before Nashville, a good mix of city and country living. It is home to the University of Tennessee and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but Knoxville is also the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Tennessee River runs through downtown.

Major employers include the U.S. Department of Energy, Alcoa (AA) and Covenant Health.

The city was a strategic objective in the Civil War; history buffs can visit several nearby battlefields.

19. San Marcos, Texas

• Cost of living: 14.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 74,319
• Median household income: $48,091
• Median home value: $364,600
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

San Marcos, Texas, is a vibrant city located in the heart of Central Texas, situated on the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. The city is known for its beautiful natural attractions, particularly the San Marcos River, its outlet shopping centers, and for being the home of Texas State University.

Living in San Marcos is 14.0% cheaper than in other American cities. Housing offers the biggest savings, costing only 71.2% of the national average. Groceries and health care are only a little over 6% cheaper than the national average, while utilities are 4.2% above average.

One of the most significant economic drivers is Texas State University, which is one of the largest universities in the state. The university brings a large student and faculty population, providing jobs, and fostering innovation and research, particularly in fields like advanced materials, water research and biotechnology. The city's location on I-35 makes it an ideal hub for logistics and distribution, with major fulfillment centers like Amazon establishing a presence there.

Beyond the river, the city boasts over 2,100 acres of natural areas and parks, including Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Five Mile Dam Park, which offer extensive trails for hiking, running, and biking.

The city hosts annual events and festivals, such as the Mermaid Festival and the Sacred Springs Powwow. Cultural attractions include the LBJ Museum of San Marcos, which focuses on Lyndon B. Johnson's formative years at Texas State University, and the Calaboose African American History Museum.

Texas has no income tax, and it exempts groceries, prescription and over-the-counter medications from sales taxes.

18. Lafayette, Louisiana

• Cost of living: 14.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 122,273
• Median household income: $59,445
• Median home value: $263,600
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

Lafayette is Louisiana's fourth-most populous city and situated along the Vermilion River. Originally established as Vermilionville in the 1820s, it was renamed for Revolutionary War General Marquis de Lafayette in 1884. It was primarily an agricultural community until the discovery of oil in the area in the 1940s. Since the discovery of oil, the city and parish had the highest number of workers in the oil and natural gas industry in Louisiana.

Known as the "Hub-City" of Acadiana, because of its proximity to major roadways heading north, south, east and west. Lafayette has become a major center for health care and social services, aerospace, and banking. Notable corporations with headquarters or a large presence in the Lafayette area have included Amazon, CGI, JPMorgan Chase, Ochsner Health System and Petroleum Helicopters International.

Housing, utilities and healthcare are well below average, and 30.3%, 8%, and 13% cheaper than the national average, respectively. However, you'll pay almost 2% more than other Americans to sip some wine if you want to raise a glass to celebrate a cost of living that is 14.2% less than the national average.

At the Acadian Cultural Center, you can learn about the history, customs, language, and contemporary culture of the Acadians who became Louisiana's Cajuns. The Hilliard Art Museum is on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The museum's collection consists of 18th through 21st century European, Asian and American art works. The sport of trampoline developed in Lafayette. The gymnastics program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette popularized the sport and has produced more world champions than any other location.

Homeowners get a break as Louisiana has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Retirees who settle in Lafayette won't pay any state income tax on Social Security retirement benefits or federal retirement benefits (including military and non-military).

17. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

• Cost of living: 14.4% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 122,131
• Median household income: $91,077
• Median home value: $278,700
• Unemployment rate: 3.5%

Platted in 1902 along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, Broken Arrow owes its unique name to a Creek Nation settlement formed by Native Americans who had been relocated from Alabama. Geographically, it is positioned in the rolling hills of northeastern Oklahoma, sitting directly on the edge of the "Green Country" region as the largest southeastern suburb of the Tulsa metropolitan area.

The local economy has shifted from its agricultural roots to a thriving base of light manufacturing, aerospace parts, and logistics, with major employers including flight simulator pioneer FlightSafety International, standard manufacturing plants, and a highly rated public school system that serves as a core community anchor.

The cost of living is almost 15% below the national average, led by housing (28.2%) and transportation (19.8%). Groceries and utilities are only 4% cheaper than the norm. Healthcare is 6.7% more expensive.

Entertainment centers around the Rose District, a fully revitalized downtown arts and entertainment zone packed with boutiques, local eateries, and the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. Residents also enjoy an abundance of green space, including the nearby Ray Harral Nature Park and water recreation spots at the Arkansas River and regional lakes.

16. Corpus Christi. Texas

• Cost of living: 14.4% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 317,314
• Median household income: $66,967
• Median home value: $234,000
• Unemployment rate: 4.1%

Wondering why a Texan city has a Latin name? The story goes that in 1519, Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda discovered a semi-tropical bay in the Gulf of Mexico on the Christian feast day of Corpus Christi — and promptly named his discovery in its honor.

Five hundred years later, and the city is the eighth most-populated in Texas, with a bustling international airport and the third largest port in the U.S., predominantly exporting oil and gas.

As you’d expect in Texas, the oil industry is still important for the local economy — refineries Citgo and Valero are two big names in the area. But other major employers include Corpus Christi Naval Air Station and Texas A&M University, along with businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector. With more than 250 days of sunshine a year and miles of sandy beaches to explore, Corpus Christi is a key stop on the Texan tourist trail, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Major attractions include the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington.

Similar to other locals on the list, housing costs are the true bargain. The average mortgage payment ($1,788) is 28.5% cheaper than the average of $2,498. Renters also get a break and spend 27% less than the average apartment dweller. Healthcare costs are 9% less than the norm.

Happily, the beautiful climate and natural amenities also make Corpus Christi an idyllic place to live — especially if you’re the outdoors type. Nature lovers can head to Mustang Island State Park for kayaking, birdwatching, camping and fishing. Water babies can surf, sail and swim at any of the nine local gulf and bay beaches — or bob peacefully in the Laguna Madre, one of the world’s only hypersaline lagoons, where the high salt concentration makes floating easy.

All that coastline means an abundance of seafood to eat in the city’s plentiful restaurants — although Tex-Mex is equally popular. And with year-round events taking place on or near the waterfront, including Barefoot Mardi Gras, the Jazz Festival, Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, you’d be hard pushed to find a more vibrant Texan city.

15. Conway, Arkansas

• Cost of living: 15.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 70,704
• Median household income: $65,896
• Median home value: $298,200
• Unemployment rate: 3.2%

The city of Conway — an affordable enclave in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area — is home to several high-tech companies, including information technology firm Insight Enterprises.

Being home to a large proportion of younger residents helps keep costs in check. Known as "The City of Colleges," Conway hosts three post-secondary educational institutions: the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College and Central Baptist College.

Proximity to the Arkansas River and Lake Conway makes the city ideal for fishing and water sports, and there's ample space for hunting. Yet, you can drive to Little Rock, the state capital, in half an hour or so.

Not that Conway is without its own more aspirational cultural attractions. The city is home to the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, the state's only professional Shakespeare company.

Conway's housing costs are 30% below the national average. You'll save around 5% on groceries and transportation and over 10% on utilities and healthcare costs.

As Kiplinger's Arkansas State Tax Guide shows, the state doesn’t create a tax burden for retirees. And there are no estate or inheritance taxes when you die.

14. Mobile, Alabama

• Cost of living: 15.2% below U.S. average
• Population: 201,355
• Median household income: $55,307
• Median home value: $200,000
• Unemployment rate: 3.3%

Founded by French colonists in 1702 as the original capital of French Louisiana, Mobile is one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast. It is situated at the mouth of the Mobile River as it empties into Mobile Bay, serving as a deepwater port city protected by barrier islands, surrounded by coastal marshes and a rich subtropical ecosystem.

As a major maritime logistics hub, Mobile's economy is led by the Port of Alabama, international aerospace manufacturing (via Airbus's massive commercial aircraft assembly facility), shipbuilding giant Austal USA, and chemical processing facilities, alongside a deep healthcare sector driven by the University of South Alabama health system.

Overall living expenses in Mobile is about 15% lower than the national average. As with most entries this list, the cost of housing is where you save the most with costs slightly over than 35% less than the norm with an average home price of $352,688. While transportation and healthcare are both over 10% below the national average, utilities command a 1.2% premium.

Steeped in history, Mobile is the official birthplace of organized Mardi Gras in America, celebrating with weeks of historic parades. The city boasts beautiful historic districts shaded by Spanish moss-draped live oaks, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on the bay, and quick access to the white-sand beaches of Dauphin Island.

13. Edinburg, Texas

• Cost of living: 15.5% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 108,746
• Median household income: $59,851
• Median home value: $223,900
• Unemployment rate: 5.7%

Only twenty minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Edinburg, Texas, serves as the gateway to the Rio Grande Valley. Edinburg is the third-largest city in the larger Rio Grande Valley region and the county seat of Hidalgo County. The local economy is made up of a diverse mix of industries, from agriculture to a growing health and education sector.

Known as the Garden of Texas, Edinburg is home to many produce companies. Serving as a key location for products going across the border in either direction, cold storage facilities in Edinburg play an important role in moving locally grown produce north and south of the border safely. Companies such as Don Hugo, Robinson Fresh, and Little Bear bring avocados, tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, melons and onions. Despite its proximity to growing regions, groceries are only 7.4% cheaper than in the rest of the country.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created when the UT System merged two existing campuses, bringing the first medical school to the Rio Grande Valley region. Maybe that's why residents of Edinburg pay almost 18% below the national average for healthcare.

Summers in Edinburg are packed with fun, free entertainment. Edinburg hosts a Summer Concert Series, a Back-to-School Big Squeeze Finale, and Fridafest, a festival that honors the legacy of Frida Kahlo. The theme of the event changes every year and features a Frida Look-Alike contest for all ages.

If you need more entertainment options, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands comprise one of nine sites of the World Birding Center. The 40-acre nature oasis features wetlands and one of the largest native butterfly gardens in the area, with more than 300 different bird sightings. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are an NBA G League team, with a regular season running from October through April.

Residents of Texas do not pay state income taxes. There is also no inheritance tax or estate tax. Sales taxes start at 6.25%, and localities can tack on another 2%.

12. Decatur/Hartselle, Alabama

• Cost of living: 15.8% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 159,651
• Median household income: $69,526
• Median home value: $219,800
• Unemployment rate: 2.1%

Decatur and Hartselle are two northern Alabama cities with an abundance of outdoor activities, cultural diversions, and low costs of living. Decatur's economy benefits from being one of the busiest ports on the Tennessee River and from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in nearby Huntsville. Tourism is another driver of the local economy, thanks to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, and festivals such as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.

Nearby Hartselle, about 10 miles south, shares the charms of its neighbor to the north. Residents can cool off in the summer at the city's sprawling aquatic center, which includes a water slide and diving platform. And Southern history buffs will want to stroll through the Hartselle Downtown Commercial Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Residents can enjoy all this and more without breaking the bank. Decatur's housing-related costs, including mortgages and rents, are 31.8% cheaper than the national average. You'll pay less to keep the lights on, with utility costs 12.7% cheaper than the national average. But you'll pay 2% more for healthcare and save only 6.1% on groceries.

Alabama has one of the nation's lowest property tax rates and no state death taxes. Social Security and pensions are exempt from taxation; only the first $6,000 of distributions from retirement plans (like IRAs and 401(k)s) are tax-exempt for retirees age 65 and older.

11. Joplin, Missouri

• Cost of living: 16.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 52,593
• Median household income: $52,097
• Median home value: $168,300
• Unemployment rate: 3.3%

It used to be that Joplin, at least to outsiders, was probably best known as a place where Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde hid out for a time. Today, sadly, Joplin is perhaps better known for tornadoes, such as the deadly storm that destroyed about 30% of the city in 2011.

The city (and greater metro area) has since recovered from the costliest single tornado in modern U.S. history, helped by its status as a regional medical center. Its two major hospitals serve a four-state area that includes Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Meanwhile, other key employers include General Mills, Schaeffler Group and Leggett & Platt.

Housing-related costs, which run about 40% below the national average, help secure Joplin's place among the cheapest places to live for U.S. city dwellers. Expenses for groceries and healthcare are 8.4% and 6.2%% below average, respectively. Utilities run closer to the norm with smaller savings of 2% off the national average.

From a tax perspective, Missouri used to be pretty average; it has graduated state individual income tax rates ranging from 2% to 4.8%. Although the state repealed its income tax on Social Security retirement benefits, pensions are partially taxable and IRA and 401(k) distributions are fully taxable. In 2025, they repealed their capital gains taxes and allow taxpayers to deduct federal capital gains taxes paid on their state tax returns.

10. Dothan. Alabama

• Cost of living: 16.9% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 72,735
• Median household income: $55,846
• Median home value: $222,800
• Unemployment rate: 2.5%

Dothan was originally part of the colony of British West Florida. Its history as a modern city starts in 1893 when it secured a stop on the first railroad to be built in the region. Local pine forests were harvested for turpentine and wood, and the cleared land was used to cultivate cotton that was devastated by the boll weevil in the early 1900s. This is when farmers turned to peanuts.

Nicknamed the “Peanut Capital of Alabama,” the city processes approximately 25% of the U.S. peanut crop and hosts the annual National Peanut Festival. The three-day event kicked off on November 10, 1938, and featured guest speaker Dr. George Washington Carver, the Tuskegee Institute botanist renowned for developing over 300 peanut-based products.

While agriculture, especially cotton and tomatoes, drives Dothan's economy, locals only see a modest 6.6% savings on groceries. The city’s real affordability is clear in its utilities and healthcare, which both come in around 25% below the national average.

Dothan offers plenty for arts and culture fans. Check out the massive helicopter collection at the US Army Aviation Museum in nearby Fort Novosel, or take in a musical or symphony at the historic Dothan Opera House and diverse performances from Music South.

9. Jonesboro, Arkansas

• Cost of living: 17.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 82,386
• Median household income: $51,672
• Median home value: $233,900
• Unemployment rate: 3.3%

The Jonesboro Metro area consists of two counties, Craighead and Poinsett, and is anchored by the city of Jonesboro. It’s located in northeast Arkansas and is a short 50-mile drive to Memphis, Tennessee. Jonesboro has a small-town vibe with facets of a college town, as it is home to Arkansas State University.

Arkansas State University is home to the ASU Museum, which strives to serve the community at large. On Saturdays, the museum’s Tinkering Studio teaches children how circuits work, how to use math to create art and how to create their own animations.

Birding is a popular pastime in Arkansas. Inside the 692-acre Craighead Forest Park is the Craighead Forest Trails Loop. This trail is about 7.4 miles long and is a popular destination for ornithologists and twitchers. Or enjoy year-round fishing for bream, catfish, crappie and bass at Lake Frierson State Park, a short 10 miles north of downtown Jonesboro.

Housing and healthcare are two important costs that are cheaper in Jonesboro. Healthcare expenses are 23.5% cheaper than what most in the U.S. pay, and paying for a place is even cheaper. Housing costs are almost 40% less than the norm, with the average mortgage payment at $1,752. The average monthly rent bill is 43.5% cheaper at $925.

There are plenty of local corporate employers in Jonesboro, including Frito-Lay, Unilever, and General Mills — so you can get a good job and enjoy an affordable lifestyle all in one place.

Arkansas's property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. The income tax rates range from 2% to 3.9% for 2026. Although Social Security income is excluded from income taxes, 401(k) and IRA distributions aren't.

8. Des Moines, Iowa

• Cost of living: 17.5% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 213,188
• Median household income: $67,297
• Median home value: $213,300
• Unemployment rate: 2.5%

Des Moines kind of has it all: a robust and multifaceted economy; a vibrant cultural scene; major universities; and — most importantly for our purposes here — a low cost of living.

On the economic front, Des Moines is probably best known as a major center of the insurance industry and other financial services. Healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics are also key planks supporting the local labor market.

The city also benefits from a comparatively large student population, driven by Drake University, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health Sciences and numerous other institutions of higher learning.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Des Moines is known for being especially attractive to retirees. The city boasts plenty of healthcare facilities specializing in aging-related services. Health care costs are 13.9% less than the national average.

Retirees won't lack for things to do, either. There are numerous museums and arts venues, including an outdoor sculpture park, a zoo, and botanical gardens. There's even a casino and racetrack in nearby Altoona that hosts annual camel, ostrich and zebra races (sorry, no wagering on these exhibition races allowed).

Best of all, Des Moines delivers all this with a cost of living that's 17.5% lower than the U.S. average. Housing expenses (61.7%) are roughly a third less than what the typical American spends to keep a roof over his or her head, while utility costs are significantly lower, too. Food is the only expense that runs close to the national average, with groceries averaging .4% below average.

Iowa recently made retirement income tax-exempt for residents 55 and older and eliminated its inheritance tax for tax years 2025 and later. That means tax-free Social Security, pensions and 401(k), and IRA distributions.

7. Amarillo, Texas

• Cost of living: 18.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 197,979
• Median household income: $67,187
• Median home value: $213,900
• Unemployment rate: 3.2%

Amarilloans are known for their love of high school football, hot sauce and thick steaks. They also enjoy savings on a wide range of goods and services. Need to get your eyes checked? An appointment with an optometrist is 40.6% less expensive in the city known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Dry cleaning bills are 41.4% cheaper than the national average.

But the biggest way folks in this part of the Texas Panhandle save money is by what they shell out for housing.

Metro-area residents spend 42.2% less on housing-related costs than the national average. The average house price of $257,400 is $283,108 below the national average. Apartment rents ($1,271) are 21.8% cheaper than what the typical American pays every month.

It's also encouraging that Amarillo's economy has remained invigorated. For example, the metro area's unemployment rate of 3.2% stands below the national rate of 4.3%. Major employers include Tyson Foods, CNS Pantex and BSA Health System.

While utility costs are only 3.1% lower than the national average, Texas has one of the lowest gasoline taxes at 20 cents per gallon. The lack of state income taxes might offset the higher-than-average property tax rates. The tax on an owner-occupied home is 1.36% to 1.74%, which is much higher compared to the rest of the country.

6. McAllen, Texas

• Cost of living: 18.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 148,784
• Median household income: $60,907
• Median home value: $218,500
• Unemployment rate: 5.7%

McAllen might be one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S., but it comes at a price. The poverty rate in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area is 19%. That's about 1.4 times the Texas rate of 13.4% and almost 1.5 times the U.S. rate of 12.2%.

On the plus side, McAllen is famous for bird watching because of its location on a major migration route. The Quinta Mazatlan, a luxury birdhouse with more than 15 acres of birding habitat, is not to be missed. The city also features the International Museum of Art & Science, which has a specific focus on Latin American art.

And McAllen is indeed one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers. Housing costs are 38% lower than the national average, healthcare expenses are 16.7% cheaper and grocery items are around 7.4% less than what the typical American pays. One of the few things residents pay a little extra for is utilities (+17.7%), which isn't surprising given that temperatures routinely soar into the high 90s during the summer months.

Texas taxes offer some good breaks for retirees. For starters, there is no state income tax; groceries, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are exempt from sales tax. Also, homeowners age 65 or older may be eligible for a special homestead exemption for their principal residence, in addition to the regular homestead exemption of $100,000.

5. Kokomo, Indiana

• Cost of living: 18.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 59,122
• Median household income: $55,360
• Median home value: $137,400
• Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Kokomo was founded in 1844 as the county seat for what is now Howard County. It was originally home to the Miami Indians, who lived along the waterways and the valley of the Wabash River in north central Indiana.

Although the median household income is about two-thirds of the amount in the U.S., the housing costs are 43.1% below the national average. Indiana currently has a flat tax rate of 2.95%, which is applied to state adjusted gross income after modifications. Overall utility costs are about 7.2% below the national average, while grocery costs are only lower by 2.5%.

It would be fair to say that Indiana is a military-friendly state. For instance, all military income became exempt from state income tax in 2024. The state also has a comprehensive program called INvets. It helps veterans transition to civilian life, with an emphasis on finding the right community and job placement.

Getting around the city of Kokomo is easy and can be free. The city offers residents and visitors free public transportation through City Line Trolley, providing coverage to most of the educational, retail, and medical areas and services with over 250 stops. The KokoGo Bike Share facility offers a free bike share program during the spring, summer and fall months.

4. Anniston-Calhoun County, Alabama

• Cost of living: 16.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 65,445
• Median household income: $52,880
• Median home value: $147,500
• Unemployment rate: 2.8%

About an hour's drive east from Birmingham sits the Anniston metro area. The city's proximity to the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge makes it a good jumping-off point for hikers, mountain bikers and other outdoorsy types. The city also has its quirks. It's home to the world's largest office chair — a 33-foot-tall seat that was once recognized by Guinness World Records.

Major employers include the Anniston Army Depot and Alabama Regional Medical Center.

Anniston's low cost of living puts it among the 25 cheapest places to live, but it comes alongside a median income that's almost one-third lower than the national median. That said, household incomes and home values are higher in other parts of Calhoun County, of which Anniston is the county seat.

Either way, overall housing costs in the Anniston area are 45.2% lower than what the average American pays. Utilities, however, are relatively pricey, running 10.2% above the national average.

Alabama also happens to be a fairly tax-friendly state. It used to be the only state to exempt overtime pay, however, that exemption expired on June 30, 2025

Although the income picture could be brighter, Anniston has its charms, including Victorian homes and historic churches among other architectural gems.

3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Cost of living: 19.1% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 713,014
• Median household income: $70,040
• Median home value: $259,300
• Unemployment rate: 3.6%

The largest city in Oklahoma offers remarkably affordable prices for its size. The biggest reason: Housing costs run 39.8% below the national average, according to the Cost of Living Index, which takes into account both home prices and apartment rents.

Drilling down into those categories, home prices in Oklahoma City average $265,375 vs. a national average of $540,600. Renters also do quite well on a relative basis. Average apartment rent comes to $895 a month compared with a U.S. average of $1,636.

Transportation and miscellaneous goods and services also cost appreciably less in Oklahoma City. However, healthcare, utilities, and grocery costs are only about 6% cheaper than what the typical American pays.

Yet, as a metro area with over half a million people, Oklahoma City offers a lot of big-city attractions, from a philharmonic orchestra to the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum. At the professional sports level, the Oklahoma City Thunder represents the metro area in the NBA.

Meanwhile, a well-rounded metro-area economy helps folks find jobs in a wide range of industries. Major employers include the U.S.A.F.'s Tinker Air Force Base, the University of Oklahoma and Amazon.com (AMZN).

Be forewarned, however, that Oklahoma presents a mixed tax picture for retirees. While Social Security benefits and military pensions aren't taxed, pensions, 401(k) and IRA distributions are partially taxable. An upside is that there is no estate or inheritance tax in Oklahoma.

Homeowners do well in the state, with median property tax bills well below the national average. However, everyone pays more in general, as groceries and prescription drugs are subject to the state sales tax.

2. Decatur, Illinois

• Cost of living: 19.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 66,528
• Median household income: $49,244
• Median home value: $115,600
• Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Decatur currently ranks as the cheapest place to live in the U.S. among cities with metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants.

Decatur, Illinois, and its surrounding metro area are probably best known as an agricultural and manufacturing center. Archer Daniels Midland moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2013 but maintains operations in this central Illinois city. Caterpillar, the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, has facilities in the area, as well. Decatur likewise lays claim to a massive corn-processing plant owned by U.K.-based food ingredients company Tate & Lyle.

Archer Daniels Midland's departure following a price-fixing scandal was a blow to the local economy, and Decatur struggles with elevated unemployment to this day. A cost of living that's nearly a fifth lower than the national average is partly a symptom of ADM's exit, but at least it's also something of a salve.

Housing costs are almost 50% lower than the national average in metro Decatur, and healthcare is much cheaper, too. However, the cost of utilities is 8% above the national average, and transportation costs are only 8% lower. Those savings help make up for the fact that Illinois is among the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. Illinois has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S., but it's also one of the states that don't tax retirement income.

1. Harlingen, Texas

• Cost of living: 20.0% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 72,239
• Median household income: $41,756
• Median home value: $153,200
• Unemployment rate: 6.2%

Harlingen currently ranks as the cheapest place to live in the U.S. among cities with metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants.

It sits at the southernmost tip of Texas, with the Rio Grande to the south and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. The Brownsville-Harlingen metro area is a hardscrabble place where 30.3% of residents live below the poverty line. That's about two-and-a-half times the poverty rate for Texas as a whole. Comparatively low median household income and high unemployment are two adverse conditions endemic to the metro area's economy.

However, just about everything, from groceries to gasoline, costs less in Harlingen. While locals save about 13.6% on healthcare compared to the national average, they pay a 22.1% premium for utilities. The average home price in Harlingen ($398,333) is a striking $142,267 less than the U.S. average. The average apartment rents for $827 per month — or 48.6% lower than the national average of $1,636.

The "Lone Star State" has no income tax and food, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are exempt from sales tax. Texas recently reduced property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 ($110,000 for homeowners 65 and older and those with disabilities).

Although agriculture remains central to Harlingen's local economy, the healthcare and telecommunications industries are rapidly gaining importance.

Lastly, it would be negligent to forget one of the area's biggest selling points: Harlingen is only about an hour's drive to the beaches of South Padre Island.