Cheapest place to live in usa 2022

With Western Michigan University driving the local economy, “KZoo” (as the locals call it) also is home to two exceptional nationally known microbreweries – Arcadia and Bells. So, if you like education and beer, this might be the spot to call home.

• Overall cost of living index score: 79.2
• Population: 261,108
• Average household income: $58,836
• Owner-occupied median home value: $168,500
• Median rent: $846

14. Amarillo, Texas

"The Yellow Rose of Texas" offers the charms of state traditions like big steaks and a love of high school football, in addition to being very easy on the wallet. It’s also known as the "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields, not that you necessarily care about that for your home search.

• Overall cost of living index score: 80.1
• Population: 201,234
• Average household income: $52,941
• Owner-occupied median home value: $138,900
• Median rent: $876

15. Meridian, Mississippi

Although Meridian is the seventh-largest city in the state of Mississippi, you’ll still find small-town vibes and historic charm that create a welcoming environment. The city is known for delicious southern food. Plus, there are tributes to musical talents born here, like the town’s very own Jimmie Rodgers.

• Overall cost of living index score: 74.6
• Population: 34,424
• Average household income: $30,088
• Owner-occupied median home value: $84,300
• Median rent: $709

16. Tupelo, Mississippi

If you are looking for other affordable options in the Magnolia State, Tupelo doesn’t disappoint. As the birthplace of Elvis Presley, the town is steeped in musical history. Plus, the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic driving route in the state, is headquartered here.

• Overall cost of living index score: 78
• Population: 37,667
• Average household income: $54,691
• Owner-occupied median home value: $148,900
• Median rent: $795

17. Muskogee, Oklahoma

The city of Muskogee was originally named for the Creek Tribe. Over the decades, the town has blossomed into an affordable oasis for those seeking a lower cost of living.

• Overall cost of living index score: 71
• Population: 36,790
• Average household income: $38,218
• Owner-occupied median home value: $98,800
• Median rent: $683

18. Jackson, Mississippi

An affordable cost of living isn’t the only thing that Jackson, Mississippi, offers residents. Additionally, you’ll find ample opportunities to explore Civil War history and the roots of blues music. The city also hosts the USA International Ballet Competition every 4 years, which offers some extra spice for this robust city full of interesting activities.

• Overall cost of living index score: 80.5
• Population: 149,761
• Average household income: $40,064
• Owner-occupied median home value: $91,400
• Median rent: $856

19. Topeka, Kansas

As the state capital of Kansas, Topeka offers a wide range of useful services to residents. Beyond the relatively low cost of living, residents can explore the Mulvane Art Museum and Gage Park, which includes 160 acres of activities, including a zoo and carousel.

• Overall cost of living index score: 81.7
• Population: 125,963
• Average household income: $49,647
• Owner-occupied median home value: $105,700
• Median rent: $815

20. Richmond, Indiana

Richmond, or the Rose City, has been named an All America City twice, in 1987 and 2009. With four colleges and seminaries, there are many educational opportunities in this historic town. If you become a resident, expect cold winters and ample springtime weather.

• Overall cost of living index score: 67.6
• Population: 35,817
• Average household income: $40,871
• Owner-occupied median home value: $86,300
• Median rent: $704

21. Salina, Kansas

When driving across the Sunflower State, you’ll find Salina nestled in the middle. Although primarily built around the surrounding grain industry, Saline has served as an important stopping point for Americans heading west for centuries. The town is centered around family living. Most families will find plenty of activities to enjoy together.

When it comes to finding the cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers, the best locations to settle down are mostly south of the Mason-Dixon line. Alabama, Texas and Tennessee are just a few states making multiple appearances on our list of the cheapest places to live among U.S. cities.

But if you're thinking about relocating to one of these places with the lowest costs of living, just remember to weigh the pros and cons. Cheap prices are attractive, but the allure can fade if jobs are hard to come by, paychecks are small or the area offers little to do. Plan an extended visit to ensure that one of these cheapest places to live fits your needs.

We compiled our rankings of America's 25 cheapest places to live based on the Council for Community and Economic Research's (opens in new tab) (C2ER) calculations of living expenses in 265 urban areas. We then limited ourselves to metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants. (For smaller urban areas, be sure to read our list of the 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America (opens in new tab).)

In both cases, C2ER's Cost of Living Index measures prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services, such as going to a movie or getting your hair done at a salon.

That data, which sorts through thousands of prices in hundreds of cities, allowed us to pinpoint the places with the absolute lowest costs of living.

Read on for our latest list of the 25 cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers.

12 Cheapest Small Towns in America

Cost of Living Index data is based on average prices of goods and services collected for the third quarter of 2022, with index values based on the new weights for 2022. Metro-level data on populations, household incomes, home values, poverty rates and other demographic information are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Metropolitan area unemployment rates, courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, are not seasonally adjusted, and are as of Dec. 1 for the month of October 2022, which is the latest data available.

What's the cheapest state to live in 2022?

Where is the cheapest rent in the United States in 2022?

What U.S. city has the lowest cost of living?

Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live in USA?