What is the best affordable city to live in USA?

The "best" affordable city depends on your priorities, but top contenders often cited for low cost of living and good quality of life in 2025-2026 include Toledo, OH, for budget housing; Memphis, TN, for music/food/affordability; Wichita, KS, with low rents; and El Paso, TX, offering very low home prices; while cities like Hickory, NC, provide outdoor access, and McKinney, TX, blends affordability with high income for DFW commuters.


Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the US?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

What is America's most affordable city?

There isn't one single "most affordable" city, as it depends on what you prioritize, but top contenders consistently include cities in Texas (like Brownsville, Harlingen), the Midwest (like Decatur, IL; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA), and the South (Fort Smith, AR; Tupelo, MS), with very low housing costs often driving the rankings, though factors like income and job markets also matter.
 


What is the #1 best place to live in the US?

There's no single #1 best place; it depends on what you value, but recent studies highlight Johns Creek, GA (U.S. News 2025-26 for overall quality/value), Naperville, IL (Forbes 2025 for affordability/family), and Fremont, CA (happiest city) as top contenders, alongside states like Massachusetts for quality of life, with mid-sized metros like Green Bay, WI, and Raleigh, NC, also praised for balance. 

Where can Americans afford to live alone in 2025?

These are the U.S. cities where Americans can actually afford to live on a single person's income—and the ones out-of-budget for singletons
  • Budget-friendly options came down to these locations. ...
  • 1) Wichita, Kansas. ...
  • 2) Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ...
  • 3) Lincoln, Nebraska. ...
  • 4) Des Moines, Iowa. ...
  • 5) Akron, Ohio.


TOP 10 CHEAPEST STATES to Live in America



Where can I retire on $2000 a month in the United States?

You can retire comfortably on $2,000 a month in the U.S. by focusing on affordable Midwest and Southern cities, with top contenders including Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fargo, North Dakota, Knoxville, Tennessee, Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, Ohio, and several locations in Texas (like Brownsville, Abilene) and Florida (like Tallahassee, Fort Myers), which offer lower costs for housing, groceries, and healthcare while still providing good livability and amenities. 

What US state is safest and cheapest to live in?

For the best combination of cheap and safe, consider states like Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas, which consistently rank high in affordability (low housing, groceries, overall cost of living) while also offering manageable safety, with Vermont and New Hampshire often topping pure safety lists, though they are pricier. The ideal balance depends on whether you prioritize the lowest cost (Mississippi) or strong safety (Vermont), with Midwestern/Southern states generally offering lower expenses and Northern/New England states often leading in safety metrics. 

What is the happiest place to live in the USA?

The happiest places to live in the U.S. often include California cities like Fremont, San Jose, and Irvine, due to strong economies, good weather, and community, alongside Midwestern gems like Sioux Falls (SD), Overland Park (KS), Lincoln (NE), and Madison (WI), known for affordability, low depression rates, and outdoor access, with other consistent contenders being Scottsdale (AZ), San Francisco (CA), and Seattle (WA), focusing on lifestyle, purpose, and overall well-being. 


What is the #1 healthiest place to live in the US?

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is officially the healthiest city in America.

Which American city has the best quality of life?

The cities that lead our rankings, places like Folsom, (California), Newton (Massachusetts), Centennial (Colorado), Pleasanton (California) and San Ramon, (California), aren't just prosperous; they are exceptionally effective at delivering on the promise of a high quality of life for their residents.

What city has the cheapest rent?

The city with the cheapest rent varies slightly by report, but Wichita, Kansas frequently tops lists for low costs (around $650/month for 1BR), with other top contenders including Oklahoma City, OK, Tulsa, OK, and Midwestern cities like Cedar Rapids, IA, alongside places like Akron, OH, and El Paso, TX, offering very affordable options in 2025. Generally, the South and Midwest are your best bet for cheap rent, while coastal areas are pricier. 


What US city is selling homes for $1?

Louisville, KY, is trying a new approach to neighborhood revival: selling $1 homes in blighted areas. The city hopes new owners will restore the properties and bring life back to these communities. The program, run by Louisville's Landbank Authority, focuses on putting vacant and abandoned homes back into use.

Where is the cheapest place to start a new life?

Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026
  • Decatur, IL.
  • Enid, OK.
  • Springfield, IL.
  • Mission, TX.
  • Bay City, MI.
  • Eagle Pass, TX.


Where is the safest and most affordable place to retire?

The safest and most affordable places to retire blend low cost of living with low crime, often found in smaller U.S. cities or abroad, with top contenders including Fargo, ND (tax-friendly, low housing), Jonesborough, TN, Brandon, MS, and Midland, MI, while international options like Cuenca, Ecuador, or Coimbra, Portugal, offer vibrant cultures and big savings, but consider factors like healthcare access, taxes, and personal lifestyle preferences. 


What is a $1 dollar house in the US?

The One-Dollar Homeownership Program is an unprecedented partnership between NACA and cities and towns across the nation to create affordable homeownership for low to moderate income homebuyers in underserved communities. Community residents can purchase a vacant house or lot from the city for only one dollar.

What city is the safest to live in the United States?

The top 10 safest cities in the United States, according to WalletHub, are:
  • Burlington, Vermont.
  • Juneau, Alaska.
  • Yonkers, New York.
  • Casper, Wyoming.
  • South Burlington, Vermont.
  • Columbia, Maryland.
  • Lewiston, Maine.
  • Salem, Oregon.


What is the unhealthiest city in the United States?

According to recent analyses, Brownsville, Texas, consistently ranks as the unhealthiest city in America, struggling with low physical activity, obesity, limited access to healthy food, and poor healthcare metrics, with similar Southern/Southwestern cities like Gulfport (MS), Shreveport (LA), Columbus (GA), and Laredo (TX) also appearing at the bottom of lists based on WalletHub and other studies. These cities often score poorly due to factors like high rates of chronic disease, lack of green spaces, and fewer healthy food options. 


Where do the happiest and healthiest people live?

The five blue zones are located in Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Ogliastra Region, Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. On the lush island of Okinawa, Japan, residents have strong social networks and a diet that prioritizes Okinawan sweet potato, turmeric, and bitter melon.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as it depends on the study, but recent reports often name Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Jersey as #1 for Quality of Life, with Massachusetts leading in overall metrics (health, education) and Vermont shining in specific areas like low crime and natural environment. Other top contenders include Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, highlighting that rankings vary based on whether they emphasize healthcare, economy, safety, or environment. 

Where is the prettiest place to live in the USA?

The most beautiful places to live in the U.S. offer diverse scenery, from coastal gems like Santa Barbara, CA, and Portland, ME, to mountain paradises in Aspen, CO, Jackson, WY, and Asheville, NC, with vibrant cities like Seattle, WA, and charming historic towns like Hudson, NY, and Savannah, GA, also ranking high for natural beauty, quality of life, and outdoor access. The "best" choice depends on preference for mountains, beaches, desert landscapes, or vibrant city life, with options like Hawaii, Oregon, and Utah also frequently cited for stunning states.
 


What are the 5 unhappiest states in the US?

The Top 5 happiest states in the U.S. are: Hawaii, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey and Connecticut. The 5 LEAST happy states in the U.S. are: West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Alaska.

What state has the friendliest people?

While subjective, studies and surveys consistently rank Minnesota, Tennessee, and South Carolina as some of the friendliest U.S. states, often followed by Texas and Wyoming, with general "Southern hospitality" and Midwest politeness often cited, though perceptions of "niceness" (like Minnesota's reserved style) can vary.
 

Where can I live that is warm and cheap?

Best affordable warm states with soaring home prices
  • Texas. Texas is ideal for millennials and Gen Z buyers who want affordable housing, strong job opportunities, and a good quality of life without the sky-high prices of coastal cities. ...
  • Florida. ...
  • Arizona. ...
  • Georgia. ...
  • South Carolina.