The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Edition

25. Lake Charles, Louisiana

• Cost of living: 13.1% below U.S. average 
• Metro population: 79,106
• Median household income: $56,666  (U.S.: $74,755)
• Median home value: $218,500 (U.S.: $508,666)
• Unemployment rate:  4.1% (U.S.: 4.3%)

Tucked away in steamy Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is steeped in Creole and Cajun culture. An economy bolstered by petrochemical refining, casinos, tourism and higher education helps give the metro area an unemployment rate a tick lower than the national average.

At the same time, the cost of living runs 13.1% lower than the national average. As is typical with every city on this list, affordable housing leads the way. Overall housing costs run 33.6% less than what the average American pays. That includes everything from mortgages and rents to insurance and other allied costs. 

Utilities, which cost about a third less than the U.S. average, are another notable way that locals save on their bills. Groceries, healthcare and miscellaneous goods and services all run 3% to 6% lower than the national average. Utilities are a whopping 30% below average and this helps to offset transportation costs that are 4% higher than average.  

Tourists flock to metro Lake Charles – also known as the Lake Area – thanks to its abundance of lakes and waterways, as well as its casinos. But the metro area has significant academic life, too, thanks to the presence of McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College. 

Just be forewarned that the metro area's poverty rate of 21.8% – while 20% higher than the state level of 18.6% — is much higher than the national rate of 11.5%. That sad reality also helps keep costs in check.

24. Great Falls, Montana

• Cost of living: 13.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 60,373 
• Median household income: $58,272 
• Median home value: $223,700 
• Unemployment rate: 3.4% 

Great Falls straddles the Missouri River and is known as the "Electric City" because of its numerous dams and power plants. It is often referred to as Montana’s basecamp as the city is centrally located and home to an international airport. Nestled in between four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas and one wildlife refuge, adventure is easily accessible in every direction. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find that there is a world to explore just outside their front door. Hiking, skiing, mountain biking and kayaking adventures are just minutes away. Glacier National Park and  Yellowstone National Park  are just a few hours’ drive and make excellent weekend getaways.

The tax picture for Montana is mixed. The state recently repealed the partial exemption on qualified retirement income. Instead, in 2024, taxpayers 65 and older can subtract $5,500 of taxable income. Montana doesn’t have death taxes, and legislation passed last year provides long-term property tax relief to homeowners in the state. 

Income tax rates in Montana aren’t as high as in some states, but they aren’t the lowest in the country, either. That might help to offset the lower-than-average household income in Great Falls: income is $58,272, or 20.1% lower than the national average of $74,755. 

Great Falls is home to the C.M. Russell Museum, the artist known for images of the American West. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art shows contemporary work in a landmark Romanesque Revival building. On the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center has exhibits on the explorers’ route through the adjacent Giant Springs State Park. And downtown Great Falls throws a hootenanny after the annual Independence Day parade. 

The annual Little Shell Veteran’s and Elder’s Pow Wow draws members from all over the state and parts of Canada to the event. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana is a federally-recognized tribe of Ojibwe people in Montana. 

23. Joplin, Missouri

• Cost of living: 13.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 51,848
• Median household income: $50,996 
• Median home value: $147,000  
• Unemployment rate: 4.4% 

It used to be that Joplin, at least to outsiders, was probably best known as a place where Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde hid out for a time. Today, sadly, Joplin is perhaps better known for tornadoes, such as the deadly storm that destroyed about 30% of the city in 2011.

The city and greater metro area has since recovered from the costliest single tornado in modern U.S. history, helped by its status as a regional medical center. Its two major hospitals serve a four-state area that includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Meanwhile, other key employers include General Mills (GIS), Schaeffler Group (SFFLY) and Leggett & Platt (LEG).

Housing-related costs, which run about 33% below the national average, help secure Joplin's place on the cheapest places to live for U.S. city dwellers. Expenses for groceries and healthcare are only 7% below average. Utilities are an outlier and run almost 11% above the national average. 

From a tax perspective, Missouri is pretty average, but the state did recently lower its top income tax rate to 4.8% from 4.95% for 2023. The state repealed its income tax on Social Security retirement benefits, effective for the 2024 tax year.

22. Lafayette, Louisiana

• Cost of living: 13.4% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 121,367
• Median household income: $50,504 
• Median home value: $234,200
• Unemployment rate: 4.2%

Lafayette is Louisiana's fourth-most populous city and situated along the Vermilion River. Originally established as Vermilionville in the 1820s, it was renamed for Revolutionary War General Marquis de Lafayette in 1884. It was primarily an agricultural community until the discovery of oil in the area in the 1940s. Since the discovery of oil, the city and parish had the highest number of workers in the oil and natural gas industry in Louisiana. 

Known as the "Hub-City" of Acadiana, because of its proximity to major roadways heading north, south, east and west. Lafayette has become a major center for health care and social services, aerospace, and banking. Notable corporations with headquarters or a large presence in the Lafayette area have included Amazon, CGI, JPMorgan Chase, Ochsner Health System and Petroleum Helicopters International.

Housing, utilities and healthcare are well below average, and 36%, 15%, and 19% cheaper than the national average, respectively. However, you'll pay almost 5% more than other Americans to sip some wine if you want to raise a glass to celebrate a cost of living that is 13% less than the national average. 

At the Acadian Cultural Center, you can learn about the history, customs, language, and contemporary culture of the Acadians who became Louisiana's Cajuns. The Hilliard Art Museum can be found on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The museum's collection consists of 18th through 21st century European, Asian and American art works. The sport of trampoline developed in Lafayette. The gymnastics program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette popularized the sport and has produced more world champions than any other location. 

Homeowners get a break as Louisiana has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Retirees that settle in Lafayette won't pay any state income tax on Social Security retirement benefits or federal retirement benefits (including military and non-military). 

21. Wayne County, Pennsylvania

• Cost of living: 13.7% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 51,227
• Median household income: $59,240  
• Median home value: $211,000
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

Wayne County sits in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania and is 150 miles north of Philadelphia, 35 miles east of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor and 100 miles west of New York City. Wayne County is located in the Pocono Mountains and is boarded to the southeast by Lake Wallenpaupack and Wallenpaupack Creek, and to the southwest by the Lehigh River. The principal communities are Hawley, Waymart, and Honesdale, which is the county seat. 

The county was created in 1798 and named for “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Revolutionary War general and U.S. Army commander. Bill Finger, the creator of the comic book hero Batman, made Batman’s secret identity Bruce Wayne in a tribute to General Wayne. Bruce Wayne is depicted as a direct descendent of Anthony Wayne in the DC comic series. 

You may remember the TV commercials with cheesy heart-shaped Jacuzzis and musty wood-shingle ski chalets that defined the Poconos of the 1970s and 80s. But Honesdale is becoming a "Zoom town" for remote working urbanites looking for fresh air and affordable real estate. The transition is similar to what has happened in Hudson Valley and in the nearby Catskills. 

The cost of living and housing are enticing to city dwellers from Philadelphia and New York. Overall expenses are 13.7% below the national average with housing costs a sizable 35% less than the norm. Groceries and transportation costs offer little comparable savings, costing only 2% less. 

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%, however, municipalities and school districts can also impose taxes on wages or income. The average effective property tax rate is 1.41%, which is higher than in most other states. Pennsylvania's inheritance tax ranges from 0% to 15% depending on the age of the decedent and relationship of the party that inherits. 

20. Topeka, Kansas

• Cost of living: 13.8% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 125,464
• Median household income: $50,709
• Median home value: $138,900 
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

Sitting along the Kansas River out on the prairie, Topeka is known for its dense suburban feel of single-family homes, parks and plenty of coffee shops.

And as the capital of Kansas, Topeka can always count on the state government as a source of good and stable employment. The metro area supports jobs in plenty of other industries too, including healthcare, retail and manufacturing.

The city is home to Washburn University and the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, but there are plenty of less high-falutin attractions, as well. For example, the 1989 opening of Heartland Park Topeka transformed the city into a major host of motorsports. 

Topeka cracks the top 20 cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers thanks to a cost of living that's almost 15% lower than the national average. Once again, housing costs lead the way on savings. Indeed, housing is cheaper than the U.S. average by about 26%. Transportation is discounted (14% less) compared to what the typical American shells out.

On the downside, Kansas ranks among the least tax-friendly states for both middle-class families and retirees, alike. Fortunately, Kansans will now pay only 2% state sales tax on grocery items, down from the 4% they paid last year.

19. Knoxville, Tennessee

• Cost of living: 13.9% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 195,871 
• Median household income: $52,826  
• Median home value: $237,300
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%  

Thrifty types should volunteer to check out Knoxville and its greater metro area, the only city in Tennessee to make the list for inexpensive living. The city is notable for its across-the-board affordability for everything from food to transportation, according to the Cost of Living Index.

The biggest savings, as per usual, come from the city's especially low housing costs, which run more than a quarter below the U.S. average. Indeed, the mean price of a Knoxville home is $114,700 lower than the national average. Apartment rents are about a third less expensive.

Tennessee comes in as the second most tax-friendly state to live out your retirement. It also has no estate and inheritance taxes. The Volunteer State also earned a spot on Kiplinger's list of States With the Lowest Property Taxes. 

Consider Knoxville, the original state capital before Nashville, a good mix of city and country living. It is home to the University of Tennessee and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but Knoxville is also the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Tennessee River runs through downtown.

Major employers include the U.S. Department of Energy, Alcoa (AA) and Covenant Health.

The city was a strategic objective in the Civil War, so history buffs can visit a number of battlefields nearby, too.

18. Des Moines, Iowa

• Cost of living: 14.1% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 213,164
• Median household income: $62,378
• Median home value: $170,700
• Unemployment rate: 2.9%

Des Moines kind of has it all: a robust and multifaceted economy; a vibrant cultural scene; major universities; and — most importantly for our purposes here — a low cost of living.

On the economic front, Des Moines is probably best known as a major center of the insurance industry and other financial services. Healthcare, manufacturing and logistics are also key planks supporting the local labor market. 

Des Moines' strong economy helps keep both the unemployment and poverty rates well below state and national averages.

The city also benefits from a comparatively large student population, driven by Drake University, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health Sciences and numerous other institutions of higher learning.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Des Moines is known for being especially attractive to retirees. The city boasts plenty of healthcare facilities specializing in aging-related services. Health care costs are 10.8% less than the national average. 

Retirees won't lack for things to do, either. There are numerous museums and arts venues, including an outdoor sculpture park, a zoo and botanical gardens. There's even a casino and racetrack in nearby Altoona that hosts annual camel, ostrich and zebra races (sorry, no wagering on these exhibition races allowed).

Best of all, Des Moines delivers all this with a cost of living that's 14.1% lower than the U.S. average. Housing expenses are roughly a third less than what the typical American spends to keep a roof over his or her head, while transportation and utilities costs are significantly lower too.

17. Springfield, Missouri

• Cost of living: 14.8% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 170,062 
• Median household income: $45,400  
• Median home value: $166,400   
• Unemployment rate: 3.8% 

Springfield, Missouri, is in the heart of the Ozarks and is known as the birthplace of Route 66. The city has been called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt" due to its association with evangelical Christianity.

Missouri was named “Best Trails State” by American Trails. That's especially true in Springfield and the surrounding area. Whether you are biking or hiking, the Ozark Greenways in Springfield has a variety of trails packed with breathtaking scenery. The 140-mile system contains a variety of multi-use trails that comprise a network of connected streams, parks, businesses and neighborhoods.

Housing expenses in Springfield are 26.4% cheaper than the average and the cost of utilities will set you back 17.5% less than the norm. In Missouri, the average effective property tax rate is 0.91%, which is lower than in most other states. The state repealed its income tax on Social Security retirement benefits, effective for the 2024 tax year.

Missourians pay a hefty tax on gasoline. They pay an additional 19.5 cents per gallon compared to the average costs. Getting your tires balanced is a bargain. It is 22% cheaper to get this fuel saving service performed in Springfield.

Springfield is home to the original and largest of the Bass Pro Shops. The almost 500,000 square feet store includes waterfalls, aquariums, a firing range and a boat showroom. Johnny Morris started Bass Pro Shops with 8 square feet of space in the back of his father’s liquor store. 

He also built the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield. To get a sense of its scale, It is larger than the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and houses over 35,000 live animals. There you can visit Penguin Cove, which is home to a colony of Gentoo penguins. Locals get a discount on admission through the “Just for Neighbors” offer. 

16. Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Cost of living: 14.9% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 411,938
• Median household income: $56,648
• Median home value: $174,200 
• Unemployment rate: 3.7%

Tulsa is situated on the Arkansas River between the Osage Hills and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma. It’s the second-most-populous city in the state and is considered to be the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma. A robust energy sector, once known as the "Oil Capital of the World," fueled Tulsa's economy. However, today the city has diversified to include finance, aviation, telecommunications and technology. 

In the early 20th century, Tulsa was home to "Black Wall Street," one of the most prosperous black communities in the United States at the time. In 1921, it was the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre that lasted for 16 hours and only ended when the National Guard was dispatched by the governor. 

In 1925, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery, known as the "Father of Route 66," established the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa, earning the city the nickname the "Birthplace of Route 66." 

Tulsa's aerospace industry is the city’s largest employer, and growing. An American Airlines maintenance base at Tulsa International Airport is the largest maintenance facility in the world. Tulsa is also home to a division of Lufthansa, the headquarters of Omni Air International, and the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Amazon recently announced plans to build a more than 600,000-square-foot fulfillment center near Tulsa International Airport.

Getting to work is cheaper in Tulsa. Transportation costs are over 14% less than the national average. Housing is another bargain, with residents paying only 67% of what the rest of the country pays. Average monthly rent and mortgage payments highlight the stark contrast. Rents on average are $956 and mortgage payments are $1,684. That is a savings of $568 (37%) and $860 (31%), respectively. 

Since 1969, public displays of artwork in Tulsa have been funded by 1% of its annual city budget. Each year, a sculpture from a local artist is installed along the Arkansas River trail system, while other sculptures stand at a local park. The Philbrook Museum of Art is considered one of the top 50 fine art museums in the United States. The collection includes works from Pablo Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, Willem de Kooning, Auguste Rodin and Georgia O'Keeffe. 

Taxes in Oklahoma are less than in the neighboring state of Texas. There are no estate or inheritance taxes, and the median property tax bill of $1,351 is far below the national average. 

15. Anniston, Alabama

• Cost of living: 15.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 115,788 
• Median household income: $52,819 
• Median home value: $148,100 
• Unemployment rate: 3.2% 

About an hour's drive east from Birmingham sits the Anniston metro area. The city's proximity to the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge makes it a good jumping-off point for hikers, mountain bikers and other outdoorsy types. The city also has its quirks. It's home to the world's largest office chair — a 33-foot-tall seat that was once recognized by Guinness World Records.

Major employers include the Anniston Army Depot and Alabama Regional Medical Center.

Anniston's low cost of living puts it among the 25 cheapest places to live, but it comes alongside a median income that's almost one-third lower than the national median. That said, household incomes and home values are higher in other parts of Calhoun County, of which Anniston is the county seat.

Either way, overall housing costs in the Anniston area are 41.5% lower than what the average American pays. Utilities, however, are relatively pricey, running 10.6% above the national average.

Alabama also happens to be a fairly tax-friendly state. Of the 41 states that impose an income tax, Alabama is the only one to exempt overtime pay. 

Although the income picture could be brighter, Anniston has its charms, including Victorian homes and historic churches among other architectural gems.

14. McAllen, Texas

• Cost of living: 15.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 144,585 
• Median household income: $55,898 
• Median home value: $168,300  
• Unemployment rate: 7.0%

McAllen might be one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S., but it comes at a price. The poverty rate in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area is 27.6%. That's about double the Texas rate of 14% and more than twice the U.S. rate of 11.5%. 

On the plus side, McAllen is famous for bird watching because of its location on a major migration route. The Quinta Mazatlan, a luxury birdhouse with more than 15 acres of birding habitat, is not to be missed. The city also features the International Museum of Art & Science, which has a specific focus on Latin American art.

And McAllen is indeed one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. for city dwellers. Housing costs are 39.5% lower than the national average, healthcare expenses are 21% cheaper and grocery items are around 6% less than what the typical American pays. One of the few things residents pay a little extra for is utilities (+12.2%), which isn't surprising given that temperatures routinely soar into the high 90s during the summer months.

But surprisingly, Texas isn't a great place when it comes to taxes. How does a state with no income tax at all not end up on the "most tax-friendly" list? It starts by having the seventh-highest median property tax rate in the country. However, voters recently approved a new Texas property tax relief measure that might give the state a more favorable ranking in the future.

13. Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa

• Cost of living: 15.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 167,889 
• Median household income: $65,061 
• Median home value: $185,600  
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

The Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa, metro area is a manufacturing and agricultural center. And while entertainment and nightlife options might be minimal, outdoor and cultural activities abound.

Sportier types can take advantage of the many waterfront parks and a 67-mile bike trail running to Cedar Rapids. For a lazier afternoon, residents can enjoy the 40-acre Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. The area also hosts two noted science museums and the highly regarded Waterloo Center for the Arts.

As for higher education, Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa, which is where NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner played during his college days.

Major employers include agricultural machinery manufacturer Deere (DE) and Tyson Foods (TSN), which helps keep the unemployment rate under wraps.

All in all, it's a Midwestern setting with typically affordable Midwestern prices. The metro area's cost of living is 15.3% below the national average, led by a 25.5% savings on housing costs. Utilities are also a relative bargain at 18.4% below the average.

Be forewarned, however, that Iowa is one of the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. In 2025, Iowa’s individual income tax will drop to a 3.8% single tax rate due to recently signed legislation.

12. Kalamazoo, Michigan

• Cost of living: 16% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 72,883 
• Median household income: $43,509 
• Median home value: $170,100  
• Unemployment rate: 4.7%  

Kalamazoo annually ranks among the cheapest places to live in the U.S. Sadly, low costs are very much a necessity for too many of its residents.

In the city of Kalamazoo proper (pop. 72,833), nearly 24.9% of residents live below the poverty line. At the metro level, which includes Portage, Michigan, the figure comes to 11.8%. The U.S. and Michigan state poverty rates are 11.5% and 13.4%, respectively.

Another downside? Michigan is among the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. The median property tax rate is relatively high, and fuel taxes are high compared to other states. 

On the brighter side, Western Michigan University, with its multiple campuses and research facilities, is a major driver of the local economy. Medical equipment maker Stryker (SYK) is headquartered in the city, and Pfizer (PFE), the drug company, maintains its largest manufacturing site in Kalamazoo. In late 2022, the pharma giant committed to investing $750 million into its Kalamazoo facility.

As for recreational activities, the Kalamazoo Nature Center hosts free daily activities. Nearby parks offer a combined 140 miles of trails and three swimming beaches. If you want to get away to the big city, Chicago is less than three hours by car if traffic is merciful.

11.Florence, Alabama

• Cost of living: 16.1% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 40,781 
• Median household income: $47,048
• Median home value: $168,800 
• Unemployment rate: 3.2% 

Florence and the Florence-Muscle Shoals metro area, which encompasses the birthplace of Helen Keller, sits in the northwest corner of Alabama on the Tennessee River. It's about a two-hour drive from Birmingham.

In addition to a low cost of living, Florence — and the surrounding area known by locals as The Shoals — boasts a number of attractions and a rich history of music. Florence native W.C. Handy's legacy as the "Father of the Blues" is celebrated with an annual summer festival. And it's no coincidence The Rolling Stones recorded the hit songs "Wild Horses" and "Brown Sugar" at the nearby Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

Florence claims Alabama's only house designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The city also hosts the University of North Alabama.

Best of all, the city's distinctive sites and southern charm come at a reasonable price. Housing-related expenses are 33% lower than what the average American pays. Healthcare, meanwhile, costs about 17% less. While the state has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, it also has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S.

All other major expenses tracked by the Cost of Living Index likewise take a smaller bite of folks' paychecks, securing Florence's place among the 25 cheapest places to live for U.S. city dwellers.

10. Charleston, West Virginia

• Cost of living: 16.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 48,415 
• Median household income: $58,902  
• Median home value: $172,800 
• Unemployment rate: 4.3% 

Charleston is located at the junction of the Elk and Kanawha rivers and is West Virginia’s capital city. The West Virginia Capitol Complex is a trip back in time. Clustered here are several landmarks to be toured, including the Capitol building, whose gold-leaf dome is taller than the U.S. Capitol’s. This city’s small scale and well-defined districts and neighborhoods make it easy to walk or bike around.

Charleston may start seeing an influx of new college grads. It ranks 20th on WalletHub's Best & Worst Places to Start a Career. 

Charleston makes it easy to get out into nature. Head to Kanawha State Forest or Coonskin Park for hiking and biking (the forest even has a pool). In the middle of the river and connected to land, you’ll find Magic Island, a park that offers beach volleyball and other fun. And within an hour’s drive, you have access to mountain biking, skiing and canoeing.

There is no shortage of fine arts in Charleston. You can be a culture vulture at a discount. This city is home to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Light Opera Guild and the The Charleston Ballet, which offers classes in addition to performances. Tickets to the ballet range from $14 to $54.00 and that is considerably cheaper than the price of admission to see the New York City Ballet at the Kennedy Center where tickets cost between $39.00 – $139.00. 

Getting ready for a night out in Charleston is also cheaper than most places. A trip to the beauty salon will typically cost you $42.33 and that is 11% less than the average. Going to the barber will cost a bit less and is 9% less than the average price of $24.42. 

West Virginia took second place on Kiplinger’s 13 States With the Lowest Property Taxes. Median real estate taxes paid were just over $750 and homeowners age 65 and older may qualify for a homestead exemption of up to $20,000.   

9. Conway, Arkansas

• Cost of living: 16.2% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 67,616 
• Median household income: $61,898 
• Median home value: $236,400  
• Unemployment rate: 3.4%

The city of Conway — an affordable enclave in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area — is home to a number of high-tech companies, including information technology firm Insight Enterprises (NSIT). Conway is the state’s fastest-growing city, with its population rising 2.9% in 2023.

At the same time, a large proportion of younger residents helps keep costs in check. Known as "The City of Colleges," Conway hosts three post-secondary educational institutions: the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College and Central Baptist College.

Close proximity to the Arkansas River and Lake Conway makes the city ideal for fishing and water sports, and there's ample space for hunting. Yet you can drive to the state capital of Little Rock in a half-hour or so.

Not that Conway is without its own more aspirational cultural attractions. The city is home to the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, the state's only professional Shakespeare company.

Although Conway's median home value is among the highest on the list of the 25 cheapest U.S. cities, it's still well below the U.S. median, and housing-related costs run 25% below the national average. Utilities, transportation and healthcare costs are also comparatively modest.

As Kiplinger's Arkansas State Tax Guide shows, the state is not terribly tax-burdensome to retirees. And there are no estate or inheritance taxes when you die.

8. Augusta-Aiken, Georgia/South Carolina

• Cost of living: 16.3% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 622,829 
• Median household income: $64,581 
• Median home value: $217,500  
• Unemployment rate: 4.8% 

While most sports enthusiasts associate Augusta with the storied Masters Tournament, there's much more to this city than golf. The metro area, which includes Aiken, South Carolina, is a major center for cybersecurity companies thanks to the presence of the U.S. Army Cyber Command at nearby Fort Gordon.

Augusta is also a regional hub for medicine and biotechnology, supported by Augusta University  the state's only public health sciences graduate university — and the allied Medical District of Augusta.

Happily for locals, the area remains among the country's cheapest cities to live in despite the presence of so many well-paid occupations. Augusta-Aiken's cost of living runs 16.3% below the U.S. average, helped by housing costs that are 37% less than what the typical American pays. Folks pay about 16% less than the national average for healthcare, and get a about a 3% break on utilities and transportation.

And older citizens catch yet another break: Georgia happens to be one of the more tax-friendly states for retirees.

As much as the Masters dominates outsiders' imagination about this city, which sits a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Atlanta, it has much more going on than golf. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, minutes from downtown Augusta, offers 14 miles of hiking trails. Aiken is home to the University of South Carolina Aiken and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Cost of living: 16.4% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 694,768 
• Median household income: $63,713 
• Median home value: $227,300 
• Unemployment rate: 3.5%

The largest city in Oklahoma offers remarkably affordable prices for its size. The biggest reason: Housing costs run 37% below the national average, according to the Cost of Living Index, which takes into account both home prices and apartment rents. 

Drilling down into those categories, home prices in Oklahoma City average $334,594 vs a national average of $508,666. Renters also do quite well on a relative basis. Average apartment rent comes to $808 a month compared with a U.S. average of $1,524.

Groceries, transportation and miscellaneous good and services also cost appreciably less in Oklahoma City. However, healthcare and utilities aren't any cheaper than what the typical American pays. 

And, yet, as a metro area with over a half-million people, Oklahoma City offers a lot of big-city attractions, from a philharmonic orchestra to the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum. At the professional sports level, the Oklahoma City Thunder represents the metro area in the NBA. 

Meanwhile, a well-rounded metro-area economy helps folks find jobs in a wide range of industries. Major employers include the U.S.A.F.'s Tinker Air Force Base, the University of Oklahoma and Amazon.com (AMZN). 

Be forewarned, however, that Oklahoma is not tax-friendly for middle-class families and presents a mixed tax picture for retirees. An upside is that there is no estate or inheritance tax in Oklahoma.

6. Jonesboro, Arkansas

• Cost of living: 16.7% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 79,884 
• Median household income: $61,057 
• Median home value: $222,200
• Unemployment rate: 3.3%  

The Jonesboro Metro area consists of two counties, Craighead and Poinsett, and is anchored by the city of Jonesboro. It’s located in northeast Arkansas and a short 50 mile drive to Memphis, Tennessee. Jonesboro has a small town vibe with facets of a college town as it is home to Arkansas State University. 

Arkansas State University is host to the ASU museum that strives to serve the community at large. On Saturdays, the museum’s Tinkering Studio teaches children how circuits work, how to use math to create art and how to create their own animations.

Birding is a popular pastime in Arkansas. Inside the 692 acre Craighead Forest Park is the Craighead Forest Trails Loop. This trail is about 7.4 miles long and is a popular destination for ornithologists and twitchers. Or enjoy year-round fishing for bream, catfish, crappie and bass at Lake Frierson State Park, a short 10 miles north of downtown Jonesboro.

There are plenty of local corporate employers in Jonesboro including Frito-Lay, Unilever, and General Mills — so you can get a good job and enjoy an affordable lifestyle all in one place.

Owning a home is more attainable here than in most places. Arkansas's property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. Housing costs are 40% cheaper than the national average and utilities are 10% less. The average commute is 18 minutes and gassing up your car to get to work costs only 87% of the national average. 

5. Amarillo, Texas

• Cost of living: 16.9% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 203,477 
• Median household income: $62,260  
• Median home value: $193,800 
• Unemployment rate: 3.4% 

Amarilloans are known for their love of high school football, hot sauce and thick steaks. They also enjoy savings on a wide range of goods and services. Need to get your eyes checked? An appointment with an optometrist is 36% less expensive in the city known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Dry cleaning bills are about a third cheaper than the national average. And you'll save about 16% getting your washer repaired after it inevitably breaks down.

But the biggest way folks in this part of the Texas Panhandle save money is by what they shell out for housing.

Metro-area residents spend 38% less on housing-related costs vs the national average. The average house price of $280,486 is $228,080 below the national average. Apartment rents are 22% cheaper than what the typical American pays every month.

It's also encouraging that Amarillo's economy has bounced back well since the short-but-sharp recession of 2020. For example, the metro area's unemployment rate of 3.4% stands below the national rate of 4.3%. Major employers include Tyson Foods (TSN), CNS Pantex and BSA Health System.

However, despite having no state income tax, Texas's tax picture for middle-class families is fairly mixed. In 2023, voters approved Proposition 4, which will cut property taxes for Texas homeowners through tax compression and by increasing the state’s homestead exemption.

4. Kokomo, Indiana

• Cost of living: 17.1% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 59,534 
• Median household income: $53,967 
• Median home value: $118,400   
• Unemployment rate: 6.0% 

Kokomo was founded  in 1844 as the county seat for what is now Howard County. It was originally home to the Miami Indians that lived along the waterways and the valley of the Wabash River in north central Indiana.

I’m guessing droughts in Kokomo are a rare occurrence. This patch of Indiana gets 42 inches of rain and 30 inches of snow per year, on average. The US average is lower at 38 inches of rain and 28 inches of snow per year. 

Although the median household income is about three-quarters of the amount in the U.S., the housing costs are 28% below the national average. Indiana currently has a flat tax rate of 3.15% that is applied to state adjusted gross income after modifications. Starting with the 2024 tax year, all military income will be exempt from state income tax.

Getting around the city of Kokomo is easy and can be free. The city offers residents and visitors free public transportation through City Line Trolley providing coverage to most of the education, retail and medical areas and services with over 250 specific stops. The KokoGo Bike Share facility offers a free bike share program during the spring, summer and fall months. Overall transportation costs are about 10% below the national average.  

3. Harlingen, Texas

• Cost of living: 19.1% below U.S. average
• Metro population: 71,699 
• Median household income: $50,166
• Median home value: $123,400  
• Unemployment rate: 6.2%

Harlingen sits at the southernmost tip of Texas, with the Rio Grande to the south and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. The Brownsville-Harlingen metro area is a hardscrabble place where 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line. That's about one-and-a-half times the poverty rate for Texas as a whole. Comparatively low median household income and high unemployment are other grim aspects of the metro area's economy.

However, just about everything, from groceries to gasoline, costs less in Harlingen. Locals save about 6% on a good cut of steak compared to the national average. The average home price in Harlingen is a striking $137,366 less than the U.S. average. The average apartment rents for $831 per month — or 46% lower than the national average of $1,524.

Texas ranks 10th on Kiplinger's Best States for Middle-Class Families Who Hate Paying Taxes. It doesn't have a state income tax, but does have one of the higher property tax rates. This will change after a property tax relief bill was approved by voters in 2023.

As with not-too-distant neighbor McAllen, utility bills run a bit high, or 17% above the national average.

Although agriculture remains central to Harlingen's local economy, the healthcare and telecommunications industries are rapidly gaining importance. 

Lastly, it would be negligent to forget one of the area's biggest selling points: Harlingen is only about an hour's drive to the beaches of South Padre Island.

2. Edinburg, Texas

• Cost of living: 19.1% below U.S. average
• City population: 104,302  
• Median household income: $50,964 
• Median home value: $176,800
• Unemployment rate: 7.0%

Only twenty minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Edinburg, Texas, serves as the gateway to the Rio Grande Valley. Edinburg is the third-largest city in the larger Rio Grande Valley region and the county seat of Hidalgo County. The local economy is made up of a diverse mix of industries, from agriculture to a growing health and education sector.

Known as the Garden of Texas, Edinburg is home to many produce companies. Serving as a key location for products going across the border in either direction, cold storage facilities in Edinburg play an important role moving locally grown produce north and south of the border safely. Companies such as Don Hugo, Robinson Fresh and Little Bear bring us avocados, tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, melons and onions. Despite its proximity to growing regions, groceries are only 6.3% cheaper then the rest of the country. 

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created when UT System merged two existing campuses and brought the first medical school to the Rio Grande Valley region. Maybe that's why residents of Edinburg pay almost 20% under the national average for healthcare.

Summers in Edinburg are packed with fun, free entertainment. Edinburg hosts a Summer Concert Series, a Back-to-School Big Squeeze Finale and Fridafest, a festival that honors the legacy of Frida Kahlo. The theme of the event changes every year and features a Frida Look-Alike contest for all ages. Picnic staple fried chicken is 25% cheaper in Edinburg than elsewhere in the country.

If you need more entertainment options, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands comprise one of nine sites of the World Birding Center. The 40-acre nature oasis features wetlands and one of the largest native butterfly gardens in the area, with more than 300 different bird sightings. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are a NBA G League, with a regular season running from October through April.  

Residents of Texas do not pay state income taxes. There is no inheritance tax or estate tax. However, the property taxes are on the higher side and average $3,520. 

1. Decatur, Illinois

• Cost of living: 21.2 below U.S. average
• Metro population: 70,396 
• Median household income: $49,714 
• Median home value: $92,200  
• Unemployment rate: 7.2%  

Decatur currently ranks as the cheapest place to live in the U.S. among cities with metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants.

Decatur, Illinois, and its surrounding metro area is probably best known as an agricultural and manufacturing center. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2013 but maintains operations in this central Illinois city. Caterpillar (CAT), the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, has facilities in the area, as well. Decatur likewise lays claim to a massive corn-processing plant owned by U.K.-based food ingredients company Tate & Lyle (TATYY).

Archer Daniels Midland's departure following a price-fixing scandal was a blow to the local economy, and Decatur struggles with elevated unemployment to this day. A cost of living that's nearly a fifth lower than the national average is partly a symptom of ADM's exit, but at least it's also something of a salve.

Housing costs are 47% lower than the national average in metro Decatur, and healthcare, utilities and transportation are much cheaper too. Those savings help make up for the fact that Illinois is among the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. Illinois has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S., but it's also one of the states that don't tax retirement income.

Decatur's status as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. is no doubt appreciated by its significant student population, which includes Millikin University's approximately 1,603 students and the roughly 2,075 people studying at Richland Community College.