2023's Lowest Cost of Living in a U.S. City Revealed

May 25, 2023

Unveiling the Most Affordable U.S. City to Live in 2023: Discover Where Your Money Goes Farther!

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all strategy to personal finance. Some folks like to eat out and keep their air conditioning on high. Others prepare their own meals and take the bus. These recommendations should only be used as a starting point.

The following expenses were considered while calculating living costs:

Utilities
The average cost of internet
Gas prices on average
Average house price
One-bedroom apartment rent
One person's groceries and occasional restaurant visits

Though this will not speak specifically to your needs, these costs should provide us with a good estimate.

Top Five Lowest-Cost-of-Living Cities

According to our findings, the most cheap places were found in the Midwest and Southwest. Cities on the shore, unsurprisingly, were significantly more expensive.

Our top five low-cost cities are:

El Paso, Texas
Wichita, Kansas
Lincoln, Nebraska
Tucson, Arizona
Lexington, Kentucky

As you can see, the most cheap cities in America are evenly distributed throughout its breadbasket. Are you prepared to do a cross-country road trip?

Before we get into each of our top picks in depth, let's take a look at some of the runners-up.

Other Excellent, Low-Cost Options

The tendencies in the runner-up cities continue: places in the Midwest and southwest are the most cheap. If you prefer to live closer to the ocean, there are some excellent options in the southeast as well.

Corpus Christi, Texas
Mesa, Arizona
Boise, Idaho
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Louisville, Kentucky

We have a decent selection of cities to pick from with these options. If you're ready to start saving money, learn more about these places and choose one.

A List of the Best Options

Now that we have the results, let's look over them one by one. Depending on your circumstances, different cities may be more economical. Some cities are better for first-time homebuyers, while others are better for individuals earning the minimum wage.

The accessibility to arts and culture is one of the key draws of cities such as New York City and San Francisco. Can you relocate to a more cheap city and yet discover culturally enriching entertainment? Absolutely! We've also selected certain locales for their art scenes.

El Paso, Texas

The Lone Star State leads the way in the cheapest cities in America, with El Paso taking the top spot. Many software professionals have picked Texan locations in their migration from San Francisco--usually the considerably more expensive Austin--and that greater exposure is well-deserved.

El Paso's rent prices are what genuinely set it apart. Could you fathom paying $710 for a single-bedroom apartment in 202? Yet, that is the norm in El Paso! With all that extra cash, you might be able to afford more wonderful Tex-Mex meals.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln, the state capital of Nebraska, has the atmosphere of a little town. Lincoln, the 68th largest city in the United States, has all the resources of a metropolis but fewer of its drawbacks.

Lincoln is very kind to minimum-wage people, so if you're on a tight budget, you'll find a warm welcome in the Star City.

Furthermore, Lincoln has been certified as a refugee-friendly city, with persons from Vietnam, Sudan, and Burma having relocated there. Lincoln is a fantastic alternative if you're looking for midwestern ideals with more variety!

Kansas City, Wichita

Wichita, located in the heart of the country, is a safe, cheap city that is ideal for raising a family. You'll find it if you're looking for it. There are casinos, zoos, climbing gyms, and so on. A quick glance at Visit Wichita reveals a diverse range of options.

With low gas and grocery prices, you can take a road trip and cook five-star meals while feeding your savings account like never before.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona's second-largest city, is an incredible boomtown for those looking for more affordable city life. Tucson, home to the University of Arizona, offers far more affordable nightlife and brain candy.

If golfing, horseback riding, and hiking aren't enough for you, Tucson also offers a rich history and museums that will satisfy your inner history geek. Trip Advisor lists its top attractions.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lace-up your boots! Lexington, known for its equestrian delights, is a horse lover's ideal destination. It is home to the International Museum of the Horse, as well as several racetracks and trails.

Live the cowboy or cowgirl lifestyle while keeping your pocketbook full! Lexington is located in Kentucky's bluegrass heartland, so you're bound to find some amazing sounds.

Our Runners-Up

We've also chosen a couple of slightly more expensive choices with other outstanding attributes that more than compensate for the higher price.

These may be smaller regions with a larger metropolitan atmosphere. Or they may have amazing bargains on food and infrastructure but a more competitive real estate market. Take a peek and conduct your study! You might find a new home.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, our first coastal suggestion, is an excellent choice for a beach lover on a budget. The Tidewater region is home to most of our country's military as well as a booming tourism industry, so it is unlikely to go bankrupt very soon.

V.B. has ocean views and single-bedroom rents start at just over $1,000. That's a discount you won't find on any other beach in America.

Boise, Idaho

Want a strong cultural scene at a fraction of the cost? Get out there and explore Boise. In 2020, the typical cost of a one-bedroom apartment was $712, which is an extraordinary deal given Boise's emerging prominence as an arts center.

Aside from low rentals, Boise's location in an agricultural powerhouse ensures that food remains affordable. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a creative environment at a low cost. Check out the Boise Arts & Culture Foundation to get a sense of the atmosphere.

Texas, Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is another seaside town where the median rent for a single bedroom is slightly under $1,000. Corpus Christi, which overlooks a beautiful bay, is an excellent alternative for a heat lover in need of a good swim.

You can't mess with Texas when it comes to cities with low living costs!

Mesa, Arizona

Anyone with a car should consider living in an expensive city and commuting there from a cheaper alternative. That is also true for Mesa and Phoenix, which are only a half-hour drive apart.

Although Phoenix has a thriving job market, its typical rent price is nearly twice that of Mesa. Mesa is an evident choice if you want work security as well as the potential to save.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is a much bigger city than the average on our list. If you're looking for a bustling, big-city feeling, look no further. Louisville's housing market is particularly affordable. If you're hoping to grow some roots, think about a mortgage!

Louisville is home to the world-famous Churchill Downs racetrack, as well as Muhammed Ali Museum, and the Louisville Slugger factory. Plenty of fun sights to see!