Looking for the most affordable cities in America? Start your search in Texas. The Lone Star State is home to the two cheapest places to live in the U.S. But before you pack your bags, weigh the pros and cons that come with such super-low living costs.
1. McAllen, Texas
City Population: 140,269
Cost of Living: 23.7% below U.S. average
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Median Household Income: $44,254 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $115,400 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $629 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 7.8% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: Quinta Mazatlan birding center
2. Harlingen, Texas
City Population: 65,774
Cost of Living: 20.6% below U.S. average
Median Household Income: $34,466 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $80,600 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $662 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 7.2% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: A short drive to South Padre Island
3. Kalamazoo, Mich.
City Population: 76,041
Cost of Living: 20.0% below U.S. average
Median Household Income: $33,009 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $96,600 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $671 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 4.2% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: Western Michigan University
See the full list of the cheapest U.S. cities to live in.
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