16 States Where Living Costs Are Actually Affordable
For many of us living in the U.S., the cost of living is overwhelming. People need to deal with rising expenses for everything, from housing to healthcare. That means it’s not always easy to make ends meet, especially in major cities.
Living in the United States certainly isn’t cheap, as it is the 9th most expensive country in the world in terms of living costs. The estimated monthly expenses of a single American are $2,433 per month and $5,667 for a family of four (including rent).
Luckily, living expenses vary widely from state to state. If the cost of living is high in your state, your best bet is to think about relocation. Here are the best states in America to find more budget-friendly living options.
1. West Virginia
With a population of 1.79 million, the living cost in West Virginia is $1,566 monthly for each individual. Furthermore, families of 4 have a monthly living cost of $3,791.
Workers in West Virginia have an average monthly salary of $3,239 (after taxes). For a single person, rent and utilities cost $864, and food costs $520.
Also, West Virginia has unmatched mountain beauty with the Appalachian Mountains that offer plenty of outdoor activities, and a friendly community.
2. Iowa
Iowa has a monthly cost of living of $1,635 per individual and $4,032 per family of four. On average, the monthly salary of people in Iowa is $4,050.
The most affordable cities in Iowa are Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, and Burlington. They have living costs of $1,099, $1,377, and $1,496, respectively.
While Iowa is known for its agriculture, it has an abundance of natural attractions like the Loess Hills, Maquoketa Caves State Park, and the Mississippi River. These places are great to be outdoors and explore.
3. Kentucky
The monthly living cost for one person in Kentucky is $1,807. It includes rent and utilities worth $1,046, food worth $542, and transportation worth $75.7 per month.
Additionally, each family of four in Kentucky has a cost of living of $4,517 per month. Meanwhile, people earn an average monthly salary of $4,110.
Kentucky is famous for its thoroughbred horseracing culture, like the Kentucky Derby, and big automobile industry, among others.
4. Oklahoma
The monthly living cost for one person in Oklahoma is $1,858. In particular, rent and utilities cost $1,116 and food expenses are $534.
Edmond has a living cost of $1,604, Muskogee’s is $1,647, and Tulsa’s is $1,695. People living in Oklahoma have an average monthly salary of $3,766 after taxes.
Oklahoma is home to glistening waterfalls and scenic mountains, that create a diverse ecosystem to explore.
5. Alabama
The cheapest cities in Alabama are Florence ($1,313), Enterprise ($1,457), and Auburn ($1,489). All 34 cities have an average living cost of $1,861 for one person.
Meanwhile, families have a monthly living cost of $4,627 for four household members. These include $1,079 for rent and utilities, $569 for food, and $69.8 for transportation per individual.
Alabama is beloved for its Gulf Coast beaches, agriculture industry, and southern hospitality.
6. Arkansas
With a population of 3.01 million, the living cost in Arkansas is $1,868 per month for one person. Furthermore, families of 4 have a monthly living cost of $4,469.
On average, workers in Arkansas have a salary of $4,449 each month (after taxes). It is adequate income for rent and utilities ($1,115), food ($543), and transportation ($45.8).
In Arkansas, you will find numerous natural wonders, a rich folk, blues, and country music culture, and thriving rice and poultry production, among others.
7. Michigan
Among 59 cities, the most affordable places in Michigan are Flint, Muskegon, and Burton. They have costs of living ranging from $1,315 to $1,529.
Michigan has an average living cost of $1,903 for one person and $4,660 for a family of four. Its population of 10.1 million has a monthly salary of around $4,403 each.
What is more, Michigan has stunning lakes, rich agriculture, and still is a main hub in the automobile industry.
8. Kansas
Kansas has a monthly cost of living of $1,905 for one person. Rent and utilities cost $1,130, food costs $580, and transportation costs $59.6 each month.
Moreover, the cheapest cities in Kansas are Hutchinson, Lawrence, and Hays. Their monthly costs of living are $1,239, $1,456, and $1,499, respectively.
Kansas is popular for its great plains, oil wells, and wheat and cattle production.
9. Louisiana
Louisiana has a population of 4.66 million, each person having a living cost of $1,933. The average salary here is $3,453, enough for rent and utilities ($1,133), food ($590), and transportation ($59.6).
The state has a number of cities, the cheapest being Monroe, with a cost of living of $1,649. Other affordable cities are Shreveport ($1,662) and Alexandria ($1,767).
You can enjoy spectacular cuisine, astounding architecture, and grand festivals in Louisiana.
10. Indiana
The living cost for one person in Indiana is $1,951 per month. Meanwhile, a family comprising four members has monthly expenses amounting to $4,626.
The typical costs of rent and utilities, food, and transportation per individual are $1,167, $575, and $68.3, respectively. People living in Indiana have an average monthly salary of $4,164, after taxes.
Indiana’s economy benefits from its vast farmlands, steel mills, limestone industry, and corn and soybean production.
11. Mississippi
In Mississippi, the monthly cost of living for one person is $1,954. Meanwhile, the cost of living for a family of four is $4,789 each month.
Furthermore, the average monthly salary in Mississippi is $3,003 after taxes. The cheapest places include Gulfport, Starkville, and Biloxi. Their living costs are $1,539, $1,650, and $1,726, respectively.
Mississippi has an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and turkey. It is also known for its Delta blues music and cotton production.
12. Missouri
Among its cities, the cheapest places in Missouri are Cape Girardeau ($1,460), Columbia ($1,485), and Springfield ($1,555). The state has a living cost of $1,972 for one person and $4,891 for a household of four.
In particular, rent and utilities in Missouri cost $1,198 per individual. Meanwhile, food costs $562, and transportation costs $71.9.
Also, Missouri has an interesting blend of natural charm like the Ozark Mountains, cultural attractions like the Gateway Artch in St. Louis, and a friendly population.
13. Nebraska
The monthly living cost for one person in Nebraska is $2,081. Rent and utilities amount to $1,246, food costs are $613, and transportation is $72.8.
People living in Nebraska have an average monthly salary of $4,051 after taxes. The most affordable cities here are Lincoln ($1,681), Grand Island ($1,968), and Columbus ($1,971).
Nebraska is a sanctuary of various golf courses, state parks, and wide-open plains, among others.
14. Tennessee
The monthly living cost for one person in Tennessee is $2,125. This includes rent and utilities worth $1,319, food worth $582, and transportation worth $73.7 per month.
Additionally, each family of four has a monthly cost of living of $5,120. Meanwhile, people living in Tennessee earn an average of $4,352.
In Tennessee, you can bask in mild weather year-round, which is ideal if you want to , a myriad of outdoor activities, fresh produce, etc.
In Tennessee, you can enjoy mild weather year-round, making it ideal to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The state is also known for its rich music heritage, including country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, with famous music cities like Nashville and Memphis.
15. Georgia
Georgia has a population of 10.7 million, with each person having a living cost of $2,237. The average salary here is $4,389 after taxes.
The state has 47 cities, the cheapest being Acworth, with a cost of living of $1,575. Other affordable places include Macon ($1,701) and Lawrenceville ($1,737).
Georgia is a place that has countless gifts of nature, including beaches on the Atlantic Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north.
16. Illinois
In Illinois, the living cost for one person is $2,280 each month. Meanwhile, the monthly living expenses of a household of four members is $5,603.
Furthermore, the average monthly salary is $4,825, excluding taxes. It can be enough for rent and utilities ($1,422), food ($596), and transportation ($115).
Illinois is esteemed for its farmlands and corn production and is America’s leading nuclear power producer. On top of that, there’s plenty of outdoor beauty like Starved Rock State Park in the state, as well as a strong Midwestern hospitality.
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