Bargain Basement Bliss: The Hilarious Guide to the 25 Cheapest U.S. Cities to Live In
Looking to stretch your dollar further? Kiplinger lists 25 U.S. cities with the lowest living costs. With cities like Decatur, AL, and Amarillo, TX, offering affordable housing and amenities, these locations are great for budget-conscious movers. However, consider local job markets and lifestyle before packing up.
REAL ESTATE
6/25/20242 min read
Welcome, intrepid penny-pinchers, to the ultimate tour of America’s most budget-friendly cities! Here, you'll discover how to live like a king on a jester’s salary. Prepare for a journey where rent is as low as your expectations, and the cost of living is rivaled only by your grocery budget.
Decatur, Alabama: Where History and Savings Collide
First stop, Decatur! Nestled in Alabama, Decatur is a haven for frugality. It's got all the Southern charm minus the hefty price tag. With median home prices around $187,700, you might even have enough left over for sweet tea and a banjo. Just watch out for the humidity—it’s the real estate agent's secret weapon for gluing you to the porch.
Charleston, West Virginia: Capital of Cost-Cutting
Next, Charleston. This capital city is like a charming old uncle who tells great stories but never picks up the tab. Here, the median home value is $128,400. For that price, you get a house and maybe a ghost or two from the Civil War—no extra charge! Plus, with unemployment at 3.8%, your chances of finding a job are almost as good as your chances of finding moonshine in a mason jar.
Rockford, Illinois: More Trees, Less Fees
Rockford, known as the Forest City, offers nature lovers a leafy escape without the financial poison ivy. Home prices hover around $167,800, leaving you plenty of cash for exploring the 11,500 acres of woods. And if you’re a fan of prehistoric times, check out the local museum’s T. rex skeleton. Just don’t try to pay for admission with rocks—you’re saving money, not living in the Stone Age.
Knoxville, Tennessee: The Volunteer State’s Value Village
Knoxville combines the best of city living with small-town savings. Median home prices are about $281,900, and if that seems high, remember: the local economy runs on volunteer work. No one here has paid for anything since 1796. Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains and the low cost of living, but don’t expect to get out of mowing your neighbor’s lawn—it’s practically law.
Amarillo, Texas: The Yellow Rose of Savings
In Amarillo, housing is so cheap you might think you’ve been transported back to the Wild West. With home values at $200,100, you’ll have enough left over to buy a cowboy hat and a gallon of salsa. Locals are fiercely proud of their high school football, so gear up for Friday night lights and budget-friendly living.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Savings Tour
These cities prove you don’t need a big budget to live large. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just someone who wants more bang for their buck, there’s a city on this list for you. So pack your bags, stretch your dollars, and prepare for an adventure that’s easy on the wallet and rich in charm.
For more detail and insights, read the full article here.