One Of The Best Places To Live In The US Is An Artsy South Carolina Town With A Cost Of Living Almost 7% Lower Than The National Average

As prices continue to climb in nearly every category, from housing costs to groceries and utilities, the idea of living frugally is beginning to feel out of reach for many Americans. And with the threat of tariff price increases, budgets will be stretched even further. As the financial pressures continue to mount, many are considering a move to more affordable cities in search of better quality of life and a lower cost of living.

One such destination gaining attention is Greenville, South Carolina, according to the U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live and Retire. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it beat out cities like San Antonio, St. Petersburg, and Nashville thanks to its affordability and charm. Greenville is ranked the 200th best city to live and offers a cost of living that's roughly 7% below the national average, with lower housing costs playing a major role in its appeal.

From renting to owning a house, Greenville excels at providing affordable housing options as well as reasonable day-to-day expenses. In fact, RentCafe estimates that the city's average housing costs are 27% lower than the national average and 11% lower than the state average. According to the site, the average monthly rent in Greenville is $1,570 and homes sell for an average of $336,731; however, prices have increased sharply over the past five years. Beyond home prices, South Carolina's property tax rates are among the lowest in the country. This helps reduce the overall cost of homeownership and encourages more individuals to buy rather than rent. In fact, more than 72% of Greenville residents own their homes, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Other places you'll save money include utilities, which are about 9% lower than the national average, and transportation costs, which are about 6% lower. Meanwhile, groceries are slightly lower than the national average but further help households stretch their budgets a bit further. These savings on everyday essentials make Greenville a practical choice for anyone looking to live a frugal lifestyle without overspending.

Beyond affordability, Greenville offers a high quality of life that continues to attract working professionals and retirees from across the country. For working professionals looking to relocate, the region boasts a low unemployment rate and high median household income of $73,817, according to U.S. News & World Report. While some of the biggest employers operate in manufacturing and healthcare, there is a growing tech industry as major companies such as Synnex and Cisco operate offices in the city.

For those looking to make the most of their retirement years, Greenville offers plenty of ways to stay active and engaged. The city features a charming downtown area with local restaurants, shopping boutiques, and museums alongside year-round activities like pickleball, scenic nature trails, and community festivals. Best of all, retirees can enjoy a balance of small-town charm and big-city perks without breaking the bank on living expenses thanks to Greenville's accessible cost of living.