14 States Offering Big Job Opportunities & Budget-Friendly Living
The economic condition of the US is leaving many looking for a way to stretch their monthly income to make a penny squeak. Many people are looking for places with much lower living costs and better job opportunities.
However, knowing where to look can be pretty complicated if you’re not sure where to start. If you work remotely, you may not need to find better employment. Moving isn’t a concern if you live in a low-cost area already.
If you’re looking for better work and a lower cost of living, you’ll need to factor in both of these aspects when finding the perfect place to live. So, to help you out, we’ve curated a list of the top states to start looking for that next job or new home.
1. Alabama
The Yellowhammer State comes in first alphabetically with the lowest cost of living, an incredible 11.9% below the national average. No matter where you want to settle down, this Gulf Coast state has plenty to offer job seekers and those simply looking to spend less on life.
You can find the city life you crave in Huntsville, enjoy the coastal waters of Mobile, or soak up the sun of the Gulf Shores region because no matter where you settle down in Alabama, the state welcomes you.
2. Arkansas
The natural state is hot on the heels of Alabama, with an 11.5% decrease in the cost of living compared to the national average. Whether you’re looking for a new job or the next opportunity, Arkansas has something for everyone.
They need workers in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Enjoy a scenic mountain view from Eureka Springs or Hot Springs, and Little Rock is always open for business if you’re interested.
3. Georgia
With a cost of living 8.7% lower than the nation’s, Georgia offers warm Southern hospitality and a rising economy. Film, logistics, and tech are all available in this emerging marketplace, and the East Coast offers the beautiful Atlantic Ocean to take your breath away.
With strong military ties through several forts, such as Fort Bragg and Fort Stewart, you can feel safe traveling the roads through the Peach State.
4. Indiana
The Hoosier State shows up with a cost of living that is currently 9.7% below the national average and offers opportunities in manufacturing, life sciences, and agriculture.
Indianapolis, West Lafayette, and Bloomington are all great places to look if you’re hoping to make a move to this midwestern state.
5. Iowa
If you like friendly faces, fun communities, stellar education, and cost-effective living, look no further than the Hawkeye State. This agricultural, manufacturing, and insurance hub has a stable economy and a varied job market.
With a cost of living 9.9% lower than the national average, Iowa has plenty of places available no matter what accommodations you’re hoping for. If you’re looking to move, Iowa has plenty to offer.
6. Kansas
Kansas is hitting a home run with a cost-effective living percentage of 12.7%. The Sunflower State is a hub of affordability and boasts a robust economy rising on the wings of aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Wichita offers a vibrant life centered on aviation and manufacturing, while Lawrence pays homage to the arts. Both cities offer diverse experiences to cater to many experiences and aspirations.
7. Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is ready to offer you an economy that’s 7.4% less expensive than the national average. This Southern State provides a unique tourism sector for bourbon lovers, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
Kentucky is also a vibrant hub for horse racing if you like to bet your hard-earned dollars at the races. Culture and economic stability are available in Lexington, Bardstown, and Louisville.
8. Michigan
Manufacturing, technology, and healthcare are all great opportunities for people looking to move to the Great Lakes State. With 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline, Michigan offers two beautiful peninsulas perfect for those who love the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
The Motor City (Detroit) is a hub of automotive engineering, and Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and UofM Hospital. Lansing and St. Johns offer that city feel, and towns like Mt. Pleasant (home of Central Michigan University) give you that small-town college feel.
9. Mississippi
The Magnolia State is ready to offer you an economy that is 11.7% below the national average and features manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism industries looking for fresh talent.
Biloxi, Gulfport, and Jackson offer sensible living and a rich cultural tapestry that only improves with Mississippi’s low taxation policies. This beautiful Gulf Coast state has everything to offer.
10. Missouri
The Show Me State boasts an economy running 11.5% below the national average, offering manufacturing, agriculture, and technology opportunities. Its varied landscape of bustling cities and pastoral beauty has something for everyone.
Kansas City and St. Louis, the Ozark Mountains, and river towns along the Mississippi allow everyone to settle down in a place they want to call home.
11. Nebraska
The Cornhusker State is open for business with an economy running at 6.6% below the national average. Beyond its innate agriculture sector, Nebraska is also fostering tech, insurance, and renewable energy to create a robust economic atmosphere for both old and new residents.
Omaha offers a hub of commerce and culture, while the University of Nebraska is in Lincoln, a hub of academic education. Nebraska also boasts low crime rates and friendly communities for anyone looking to relocate.
12. North Carolina
Movers to the Tar Heel State can expect a cost of living that’s 1.5% below the national average. Its focus on technological innovation, research endeavors, and manufacturing offers opportunities for those looking to make a career shift.
Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill have a four-pronged approach to finance and research where eerie lifestyles can find something new and exciting.
13. North Dakota
The Peace Garden State makes the list with a decreased cost of living, at 7.2% under the national average. Known for its oil and gas dominance, North Dakota also boasts a growing healthcare sector, resilient agriculture, and an evolving tech scene.
Fargo, known for its business and culture-centered focus, and Williston, known for being the center of the oil boom, offer increasing opportunities for those looking for financial stability.
14. Ohio
Residents in the Buckeye State are enjoying an economy that sits 6% below the nation’s average. Opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tech are growing.
Columbus, the state capital, is a hub of technological advancement, and Cleveland is infused with sporting tradition and cultural richness.
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