Top 4 Affordable Cities in the United States Worth Moving To
With prices increasing all over the country, many people are curious about where they can move for more affordable living. Finding the cheapest cities to live in is not the only thing to look for if you want to enjoy your life. You also need to look for cities with things to do and places that will provide you with enjoyable entertainment.
The Council of Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index uses a benchmark score of 100 to rate areas based on affordability; anything under that benchmark indicates a community's affordability. Using this data and information from various tourist pages is easy to narrow down a list of the top four lowest cost-of-living cities you might actually want to live in.
1. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan, achieves a wonderfully affordable 76.8 on the Cost of Living Index, making it one of the most affordable big cities in the United States. Lovingly referred to as the 'Zoo, residents love the big city vibes with a small-town feel.
The cost of living in the city is 24% lower than the national average. Housing is about 50% cheaper than the national average, with the median home price around $198,000 and rentals about $600. Also, grocery prices are roughly 22% less than the country's average.
2. Knoxville, Tennessee
For all the music lovers out there, Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city to consider. Rating an 83.1 on the Cost of Living Index, Knoxville sits along the Tennessee River smack dab between Nashville and Ashville. The city has something for everyone, from a walkable Market Square to the Knoxville Museum of Art.
With the cost of living 18% lower than the national average, Knoxville is plenty affordable. While you will not save as much on your housing or groceries, there are still opportunities to salvage a bit of spending cash. Housing in Knoxville is 29% lower than the national average, with the median home price costing around $280,000 and median rent costing about $860. Grocery costs are roughly 13% lower than the average.
3. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas, is taking a top spot in the U.S. News and World Report's Best Places To Live because of the home-like feeling the town gives. It also has a generous Cost of Living Index score of 85.5.
The city's cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. Housing is about 27% less than the country average, with the median home price averaging roughly $289,000. The average rental cost is about $880. You can also save a little on food and groceries because Fayetteville is about 5% below the national average.
4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The unofficial cowboy capital of the country, Oklahoma, is a beautiful city. Its capital is a site to behold, with gorgeous architecture, a dazzling river walkway, and delicious food and entertainment. Oklahoma City also ranks 86.6 on the Cost of Living Index.
The capital city's cost of living is 13% lower than the national average. Housing is 26% less than the national average, with median home prices averaging roughly $296,000 and average median rent about $900. You can also save about 10% on your groceries compared to the country's average.
The country is experiencing rising costs, and it only makes sense to seek more affordable living conditions. Any of the above four cities would make a wonderful home.