3 Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.

Looking for the most affordable cities in America? Start your search in Texas. The Lone Star State is home to the two cheapest places to live in the U.S. But before you pack your bags, weigh the pros and cons that come with such super-low living costs.

1. McAllen, Texas

City Population: 140,269

Cost of Living: 23.7% below U.S. average

Median Household Income: $44,254 (U.S.: $53,889)

Median Home Value: $115,400 (U.S.: $178,600)

Average Monthly Rent: $629 (U.S.: $1,004)

Unemployment Rate: 7.8% (U.S.: 4.9%)

Highlight: Quinta Mazatlan birding center

2. Harlingen, Texas

City Population: 65,774

Cost of Living: 20.6% below U.S. average

Median Household Income: $34,466 (U.S.: $53,889)

Median Home Value: $80,600 (U.S.: $178,600)

Average Monthly Rent: $662 (U.S.: $1,004)

Unemployment Rate: 7.2% (U.S.: 4.9%)

Highlight: A short drive to South Padre Island

3. Kalamazoo, Mich.

City Population: 76,041

Cost of Living: 20.0% below U.S. average

Median Household Income: $33,009 (U.S.: $53,889)

Median Home Value: $96,600 (U.S.: $178,600)

Average Monthly Rent: $671 (U.S.: $1,004)

Unemployment Rate: 4.2% (U.S.: 4.9%)

Highlight: Western Michigan University

See the full list of the cheapest U.S. cities to live in.