1. Arkansas: Big Savings in the Natural State
Arkansas combines low housing costs with inexpensive utilities and groceries. Little Rock, for instance, offers a cost of living 15% lower than the national average, so you can enjoy city perks without city prices.
2. Kansas: Affordable and Underrated
Kansas may not be flashy, but it’s easy on the wallet. With a low cost of living and some of the cheapest groceries in the country, this state proves that simple living can be fulfilling (and affordable).
3. Georgia: Southern Comfort, Budget Style
Atlanta might grab the headlines, but smaller cities like Augusta and Macon are where you’ll find true savings. Georgia also offers affordable utilities and a mild climate that helps cut heating and cooling bills.
4. Alabama: Sweet Home for Low Costs
From Birmingham to Mobile, Alabama offers low housing and transportation costs. If you love Southern charm and want to save, you’ll find plenty of bang for your buck here. Bonus: Alabama’s state parks offer tons of low-cost entertainment.
5. Kentucky: Bourbon and Budget-Friendly Living
In Kentucky, you get low housing prices and an affordable healthcare system. Lexington and Louisville offer affordable rents for city dwellers, while rural areas are even more wallet-friendly.
6. Tennessee: Affordable Fun in Music City
Tennessee combines no state income tax with reasonable housing prices. While Nashville is pricier, the state overall balances affordability with vibrant cultural scenes, especially in smaller cities like Chattanooga or Knoxville.
7. Oklahoma: Low Costs on the Prairie
Oklahoma is a winner for cheap housing and utilities. The average rent is among the lowest in the nation, and even car insurance won’t set you back too much. Tulsa and Oklahoma City offer a nice blend of urban and rural vibes without the hefty price tag.
8. Indiana: Low Costs in the Hoosier State
With housing costs nearly 30% below the national average, Indiana is a great pick for affordability. Places like Fort Wayne and South Bend offer low rents, cheap groceries, and modest utility bills.
9. Mississippi: Where a Dollar Stretches for Miles
Mississippi often tops the charts for affordability, thanks to its low housing costs. The median home price here is just over $150,000—significantly below the national average. Plus, you’ll save on groceries and healthcare, which are also cheaper here.
10. Missouri: The Show-Me Savings State
Missouri offers a mix of affordability and culture. Kansas City and St. Louis have low housing costs compared to other metros. Plus, everyday expenses like gas and dining out are surprisingly cheap.
11. Iowa: Cornfields and Cash-Friendly Living
Iowa’s affordability comes from its low housing prices and reasonable healthcare costs. Even Des Moines, the capital city, maintains a cost of living well below the national average.
12. South Dakota: A Hidden Gem for Savers
No state income tax? Check. Affordable housing? Check. South Dakota is a sleeper hit for those who want to save while enjoying scenic views and friendly communities.
13. West Virginia: A Haven for Nature Lovers and Savers
West Virginia boasts some of the cheapest housing in the country, with a median home price of around $125,000. You can also fill your pantry without emptying your bank account—groceries are super affordable here.
14. Texas: Big State, Bigger Savings
Texas offers no state income tax and a low cost of living outside major cities like Austin. Smaller towns like Lubbock or Amarillo boast low housing prices and affordable food costs, making it a great pick for budget-conscious movers.
