16 Ideal Budget Living Areas in The U.S.
When living in a city where more than half of your paycheck goes to rent, you might wonder, is it like this in every cityin the U.S.? The short answer is no. Many affordable cities cater to lower budgets, providing citizens with lower rent than the country’s average. Most budget areas sit in the middle of the country or the southern region of the U.S.
*We pulled data from Apartments.com, rent.com, and the U.S. News and World Report.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
This Oklahoma city prides its history on its success with oil and its fascinating Art Deco architecture. Those who live in Tulsa appreciate the beauty of the southwest state, along with its affordable living costs. For example, median rent in Oklahoma ranges between $760 for a studio apartment, $914 for a one-bedroom, and $1,217 for a two-bedroom living space. The national average asks for $1,528 for a studio apartment, $1,518 for a one-bedroom, and $1,771 for a two-bedroom space.
2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The capital of Oklahoma comprises art markets, cultural diversity, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which pays homage to victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. While Oklahomans explore their home state, they also pocket extra money earned on the job, thanks to reasonable housing arrangements. A studio costs $840, a one-bedroom $1,002, and a two-bedroom $1,199. The cost of the studio apartment dwindled by 20% this past year, making Oklahoma City a perfect market for a single person looking for that first apartment.
3. Indianapolis, Indiana
Moving over to the capital of Indiana, we have Indianapolis. When they think of Indianapolis, many people think of the Indy 500, the famous car race. Stunning children’s museums, historic landmarks, and state parks populate the area. Right now, one-bedroom apartments cost less than studios, allowing individuals to make that square footage splurge. A studio costs $1,295, as a one-bedroom takes off $90 at $1,205. A two-bedroom only asks for a few hundred more dollars at $1,398, about four hundred dollars less than the national average.
4. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is a remarkable, family-friendly destination in Indiana. The Northeastern Indiana city entertains families with attractions like a zoo, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, the Museum of Art, and a history center. Families can find studios for $922, one-bedroom spaces for $1,299, and two-bedroom spaces for $1,365. Rent in this city decreased between two and ten percent in the last year.
5. Toledo, Ohio
Interested in glass-making? Toledo might be the next place you call home. The city garnered its nickname “The Glass City” after its extensive relationship with manufacturing glass. In addition to creating glass, Toledo boasts a fabulous arts scene with a world-renowned Museum of Art. Starving artists need a place to live, too, right? Studio apartmentscost an average of $651, one bedroom run at $774, and two bedrooms sit beneath $1,000 at $969.
6. Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio, is a super historical city in the midwestern United States. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force educates guests on the importance and significance of that chapter of the military, while the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park takes visitors down memory lane of three important American figures: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Plus, America’s Packard Museum unleashes impeccable automotive displays. Rent in Dayton costs $647 for a studio, $824 for a one-bedroom, and $1,032 for a two-bedroom apartment.
7. Lousiville, Kentucky
The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville, hosts the Kentucky Derby horse race each year. To step further into the history of that iconic race, visit the Derby Museum. Those into baseball adore a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, a construction site for baseball bats. Louisville also stands out as a walkable city, which is perfect for introducing a family to. The rent resides around $1,051 for a studio, $1,109 for a one-bed, and $1,289 for a two-bedroom. Still pricier than other places on this list, yet lower than the national average.
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
The Nebraska State Capitol, a symmetrical limestone governmental office, permits visitors to travel to the top of the dome and peer out over downtown Lincoln. The University of Nebraska grants over 20,000 students degrees each year, plus the campus contains its art museum: The Sheldon Museum of Art, with chapters on American art and sculptures. A studio runs for $987, a one-bedroom $1,170, and a two-bedroom $1,460 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
9. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha sticks out as a sustainable foodie city. For example, the Reuben sandwich came to fruition in Omaha. Also, the city treats locals and visitors to delectable steak and seafood. On the other side of sourcing that food, Omaha participates in the farm-to-fork movement. A pledge started to use local farms and markets to supply restaurants and locals. Other than food, Omaha locals love the zoo, cathedrals, castles, and gardens. Rent runs between $1,010 for a studio, $1,171 for a one-bedroom, and $1,550 for a two-bedroom apartment in Omaha.
10. Little Rock, Arkansas
This capital of Arkansas exhibits the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which replicates the Oval Office and other significant presidential items. The Old State House Museum, dedicated to preserving Arkansas’ history, and Pinnacle Mountain and its State Park are also nearby. In Little Rock, people pay between $804 for a studio, $914 for a one-bedroom, and $1,058 for a two-bedroom residence.
11. Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama, is the capital of this southern state and a cultural touchstone for the Civil Rights Movement. Famous people associated with Montgomery, Alabama, include both Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, as the Montgomery bus boycott occurred in that city. Today, The Legacy Museum, The Rosa Parks Museum, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the Alabama State Capitol entertain and educate locals and guests. Rent in Montgomeryspans from $670 for a studio to $830 for a one-bedroom and $970 for a two-bedroom.
12. Huntsville, Alabama
Though Huntsville is not the capital of Alabama, it does have the highest population in all of Alabama. On the history and military side, The U.S. Space and Rocket Center instructs visitors on the history of America’s aircraft and commitments to space, and the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum honors veterans. On the nature side, a cluster of mountains, parks, and nature trails pave the way to pondering the wilderness. Rent in Huntsville starts at $1,029 for a studio, a one-bedroom for $1,127, and $1,244 for a two-bedroom.
13. Springfield, Missouri
Take a journey to the Wild West through the birthplace of Route 66. Attractions include a tram ride through caverns, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, and the Route 66 Car Museum. Springfield, Missouri, also doubles as the largest city in the Ozarks. Rent in this particular city costs between $852 for a studio apartment, $862 for a one-bedroom, and $965 for a two-bedroom stay.
14. Wichita, Kansas
A pink-purple skyline paints the backdrop of this Kansas gem. Exceptional activities cover a botanical garden full of wildflower meadows and butterfly sanctuaries, the Kansas Aviation Museum, and The Allen House. Frank Lloyd Wright constructed the prairie-styled Allen House for a former government family. To live in Wichita, expect to pay around $752 for a studio space, $842 for a one-bedroom, and $1,081 for a two-bedroom apartment.
15. Davenport, Iowa
Looking for a smaller, tight-knit community with access to Art museums, botanical gardens, science centers, and the world’s largest truck stop (Iowa 80)? Davenport is the perfect landing place. The Iowan town also houses several Fortune 500 companies that make the business one of the largest employers in the city. Rent varies between $814 for a studio, $1,072 for a one-bedroom, and $1,412 for a two-bedroom apartment.
16. Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette, the hot Louisiana spot, gained a reputation as the happiest city in America, and for good reason. The people appreciate the city’s Creole and Cajun culture, hosting multiple festivals dedicated to honoring their heritage. French immersion schools also exist to teach residents about the Creole and Cajun heritages and the French language. Delicious plates of crawfish, boudin, gumbo, and po’ boys delight locals and visitors. Rent starts at $695 for a studio, $1,221 for a one-bedroom, and $1,513 for a two-bedroom apartment.
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