The Absolute Cheapest Places In These 11 States

For Americans struggling with rising prices and a cost-of-living crisis, it makes sense to consider finding the absolute cheapest place to live—and fast. Reporting from Investopedia suggest that as much as 67% of the country is living paycheck to paycheck. For those who are retired and on a fixed income, finding a place where retirement dollars stretch as far as possible is more important than ever. Regardless of one's circumstances, the hunt is on for a corner of America where housing and rent are affordable, groceries aren't too expensive, and many of life's necessities are still reasonably priced. With this in mind, there are at least a dozen places around the United States that many consider to be the absolute cheapest places to live.

These locations span the entire country, featuring many towns you may have never heard of before reading this article. Even so, if you are genuinely concerned with finding a more budget-friendly place to live, then you may want to memorize some of the places found on this list. Keep in mind that no city is perfect; while prices are low, there may be certain drawbacks to consider. For instance, some locations may not be walkable or are currently experiencing a poor local economy. If you have reliable transportation or work remotely, then these cons might not impact you. However, it's essential to keep specific considerations in mind and do your own research.

If you're looking for one of the cheapest places to live, your first and last stop might be Brownsville, Texas. According to a survey published by Niche, Brownsville was voted the city in America with the most affordable cost of living. This was after more than a thousand residents made their thoughts known on the city, not just in terms of cost, but also other pros and cons that come with living in the Texas town.

Brownsville, which has an estimated population of about 188,023, earned a B grade overall from Niche due to positive factors such as its diversity, nightlife, and the quality of local schools. Housing also received top marks, and most residents own their own homes. If you're looking to buy, the average price is $122,400, nearly a third of the national average. Renters will also have an easier time with cost, as apartments start at $906 per month. As shared by Apartments.com, residents also save 14.4% on groceries and 21.3% on utilities when compared to the national average.

Though Brownsville is clearly a strong contender for Americans wanting to avoid expensive living costs, a move here wouldn't come without a few drawbacks. For instance, it earned a C rating for both crime and safety. Said one resident, "There have been several break-ins in this area, including one at my own home. Active police on duty are never visible in this area." Other locals find Brownsville to be safe, suggesting the issue might be specific to certain areas of town.

Whether you live in Arizona or are considering a move to the area, Sierra Vista is a strong contender for affordability, particularly for those with children. The town even ranked #25 on Fortune's list of the "Best Places to Live for Families." With a population of 43,000, Sierra Vista provides a suburban community feel while offering a wide range of activities, such as hiking trails, bird-watching, and exploring the Kartchner Caverns State Park. Another factor working in the town's favor is its climate. Though Arizona can get unbearably warm in some regions, Sierra Vista is reportedly between 15 and 20 degrees cooler than the Phoenix area.

Warm weather aside, housing prices are another consideration in Sierra Vista, as the median price for homes is $277,436, about 30% cheaper than housing in other parts of the state. Meanwhile, the median rent price is $898 per month, according to Apartments.com, which is about 40% less than the national average. By moving to Sierra Vista, you can also expect cheaper groceries and lower transportation costs.

There are a couple of downsides to consider when making a move here. For instance, while you'll save on housing costs, you won't see significant savings for healthcare, and utility payments are actually higher here than in other places. Despite these drawbacks, some Americans consider Sierra Vista to be an affordable and adventurous community worth joining.

Dexter, Maine is a budget-friendly solution for Americans wanting to move to a place that excels in diversity, cost of living, crime, and safety. With a population of just under 4,000 people, it's ideal for those seeking a small-town feel where they can be part of a tight-knit community. It's estimated that the median home value is $160,300, while the monthly rent averages at $889. Even with rent very low, it's believed that about 70% of Dexter residents are homeowners. 

When it comes to crime and safety, the town was graded well by both Places.Us.Com and Niche, earning an A- and B+ from each website. This is a unique win, as far too often, places become very affordable because criminal behavior drives down the market value of housing in the area. At the very least, potential Dexter residents wouldn't have to compromise their safety to find a cheap place to live. Still, there are a few cons that come with moving here. If you're relocating from a bustling urban area, you might not find Dexter particularly exciting or interesting. You should also be aware that Dexter can get very cold during the winter months. If you're not a fan of temperatures that can plummet as low as -8°F, then this small Maine town might not be a good fit.

Bakersfield isn't as well-known as larger California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, which could actually work in its favor. With a population of 413,400 people, this city offers the sunny weather you expect from a West Coast location, but notably lower housing costs than the rest of the state. As Apartments.com notes, the average price for a home in Bakersfield is $526,424, while the same home would go for $1,320,663 in Los Angeles. Bakersfield residents likewise pay monthly mortgage and rent payments that are about 50% cheaper than what they would be if they lived in Los Angeles. 

Aside from housing costs, one of the major driving factors in moving to Bakersfield is a strong job market. There is a growing number of work opportunities related to several industries, including agriculture, education, logistics, healthcare, oil, and renewable energy. Recommended income to afford the local cost of living is at least $130,000 per year. If this is close to your current annual salary, then Bakersfield will likely be a comfortable place to live, especially if you're relocating from a very large city with an even higher cost of living demands. However, some Americans might still find Bakersfield to be, as with other areas of California, to be beyond their budget. If that's not the case, then Bakersfield could be a sunny and relaxing city worthy of a fresh start.

Youngstown, Ohio, earned a distinction in September 2024 that was both impressive and a little concerning. According to an article published by Stateline, this location represents one of the last remaining metro areas in the country where a household, regardless of its income, can hold reasonable expectations of finding a home within its price range. Housing costs are reportedly $1,289 per month, nearly 40% less than the national average. By moving to Youngstown, you can also expect to see significantly lower utility and healthcare costs. For renters, the median monthly rate is $710. 

While it's absolutely cheaper to live in Youngstown than many other places in the state, there are a couple of drawbacks to moving here that should be noted. The Areavibes website graded the town F overall for crime and job opportunities. If employment or safety are major motivating factors for wanting a change, then Youngstown may ultimately be a terrible fit. That aside, those who work remotely or who opt for a low-crime area of the city might find relocating here to be worth the effort.

Salisbury offers a lower cost of living compared to nearby big cities like Baltimore or Philadelphia. Instead of the costlier living expenses and urban hustle and bustle, this small Maryland city offers a slower pace and a more wallet-friendly lifestyle. U.S. News & World Report previously ranked the town #14 in its list of Best Places to Live in Maryland. For retired seniors planning a move, Salisbury was also ranked #115 by U.S. News as the Best Place to Retire. Salisbury is home to just under 34,000 people, with median home prices of $280,000; it's possible to find homes here for even cheaper, as some condos are priced as low as $160,000. Meanwhile, one-bedroom apartments in the city start at $1,100 per month.

Despite its small size, some surprisingly enjoyable amenities come with living here, including a local zoo and brewery; there are also multiple parks to visit. While this might make Salisbury an ideal place to relocate, those who miss a faster pace of life and a wider range of amenities might find Salisbury to be a little too slow. If you are a retiree or person seeking a more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle, however, then Salisbury is going to be an ideal place to live.

With a population of around 7,672, Inverness is a small town considered to be one of the absolute cheapest places to live in the state of Florida. According to figures shared by Niche, those who move here benefit from housing prices that average $168,100 and median rent payments of $982 per month. Given the warm weather and affordable housing costs, it's no surprise that Inverness is a popular destination for retirees. Not only does Inverness get top marks from Niche reviewers for its weather and cost of living, but the tiny suburban city is also rated well for its diversity, nightlife, and commute distance. 

Inverness received lower marks in a couple of areas, including its job market prospects and quality of public schools. As for crime, one current resident said in their review, "My family and I moved to Inverness because it seemed like an affordable, safe city in Florida...however, gun violence and crime have been [rising]." While the same reviewer said that crime overall isn't as bad as some areas of the state, the uptick in unsafe situations gave them pause, and might also make other potential residents reconsider a move to the town. Despite these drawbacks, with some research, planning, and sensible budgeting, Inverness could be a cheap and satisfying place to call home.

Not everyone wants to move to Nevada for the bright lights of the Las Vegas metro area. Some people are drawn to a quieter life in a town that's a little off the beaten track. If you're seeking a peaceful small-town life, then Carlin is probably going to be your best bet in Nevada. While Niche did grade the small town C overall, it did get decent to excellent marks for qualities like cost of living, the local job market, diversity, and commute time. 

On average, houses here are valued at $195,000, with median rent prices at $1,211 per month. Carlin is a quiet, rural town that's very affordable compared to the rest of the state. One of the most challenging aspects of moving here might be timing, as there aren't too many homes for sale. As of now, you can choose between about a dozen houses to buy and only a pair of rental options. Depending on your budget, needs, and when you plan to move, you might find that one of the available options in Carlin is just perfect for your family. Otherwise, this town with a population below 3,000 people might just be too small, and you will be better served locating to a slightly bigger town.

If you're seeking a much cheaper living situation than Portland, Oregon, you might find it 222 miles to the southwest in the small city of Coos Bay. This scenic location offers a vast range of outdoor amenities, as it is on the water and near several major parks. With the median home value at $272,100, housing is thousands of dollars below the national average. Rent is also more affordable, averaging $986 monthly. In addition to the cost of living, some residents appreciate that the weather isn't too extreme; Coos Bay generally has cooler summers and mild winter months. This is good news for older Americans, as Niche previously ranked the city #52 in its list of Best places to retire in Oregon.

Despite affordability, local employment opportunities are reportedly lackluster, scoring a C on Niche. Likewise, some reviewers expressed concerns about local crime and a sense that the area's population was somewhat depressed. One commenter noted that while some areas of Coos Bay are clean, others "look like a dump." This ultimately shows that your experience in Coos Bay, like other areas of Oregon, is going to vary according to the parts of town you live and visit. If you want a cheaper living situation and this is a top priority, then Coos Bay should be a strong consideration for relocation.

Imagine a move from one area of New York to another, where your cost of living just might get cut almost in half. Per RentCafe, if you choose to move to Ilion, this might be the case, with residents reporting a cost of living 45% less than anywhere else in the state. Not only that, but living costs in the small New York town are allegedly 7% cheaper than towns across the country on average, making it an ideal destination not just for those within the area, but also outside the state. Niche gave Ilion a positive grade for housing, with median home values of $100,800, making it one of the most affordable housing markets in the country. Rentals are also very budget-friendly, with apartments going for less than the $718 average. 

Ilion is a very small town, with a population of just 7,636. That could be quite an adjustment for a person or family moving from a more densely populated metro area. This might be why Niche gave the town a C average when it comes to nightlife. Still, if you're seeking an affordable and safe living situation, Ilion could be just what you need and your personal budget demands.

Sunnyside, Washington is one of the best-priced locations in the state, earning A+ cost of living and housing scores from Areavibes. In addition to affordably priced houses, the median cost of rent for the small town is reportedly $730 per month. Studio apartments are even cheaper, with monthly rents of about $650. While the housing market is up, and Sunnyside also scored well for safety, it does have its issues. For instance, there has been a recent and notable decline in the local job market. If you are hoping to find employment after moving to this small Washington town, then you might find job hunting to be a slow process. Sunnyside also scored poorly with Areavibes for things like amenities, work commute, public schools, and crime. Whether Sunnyside is the best fit for you and your family depends on your budget and the area of town that best suits your living situation.