What is the cheapest and nicest state to live in?

There's no single "cheapest and nicest" state, as "nice" is subjective, but Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia consistently rank as most affordable due to low housing, utilities, and taxes, while states like Arkansas (The Natural State) offer natural beauty, and Midwestern states such as Wisconsin and Michigan balance affordability with quality of life, robust systems, and unique recreational opportunities. The best choice depends on your priorities, balancing cost of living with job markets, amenities, and lifestyle preferences.

What is the cheapest but best state to live in?

The best affordable states to live in consistently include Southern and Midwestern options like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, known for low housing costs, low taxes (sometimes), and lower overall cost of living indexes compared to the national average, though job opportunities and specific amenities vary, with some states offering strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. 

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 state has the lowest cost of living and highest pay?

There isn't one single state with the absolute lowest cost of living and highest pay; it's a trade-off, but South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Mississippi consistently rank high for affordability (low costs), while Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina offer good balances with growing job markets and decent pay relative to expenses, with states like Virginia also noted for higher wages despite average costs. The best fit depends on your industry, but Midwest/Southern states generally lead affordability. 

What is the happiest state to live in?

According to WalletHub's 2025 study, Hawaii is the happiest state in the U.S., ranking first for its strong emotional/physical well-being, work environment, and community/environment factors, with residents showing high life satisfaction, low depression, and long life expectancy, followed by Maryland and Nebraska in the top three. 

TOP 10 CHEAPEST STATES to Live in America

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.

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.

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.

What is America's happiest city?

According to recent studies, Fremont, California, is frequently named the happiest city in the U.S., noted for high life satisfaction, financial stability, low depression, strong community, and ample green space. Other cities like San Jose, Irvine, and Sioux Falls also rank highly, with happiness often linked to economic well-being, good mental health, strong social connections, and access to nature and recreation, though rankings vary slightly by study. 

What is the #1 state people are moving to?

While it varies slightly by source, North Carolina and South Carolina are consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 most popular states people are moving to in 2024-2025, often followed by Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama, driven by affordability, job growth, lower taxes, and quality of life, especially in the Southeast. 

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as different reports rank states differently, but Vermont is frequently cited as #1 for Quality of Life (CNBC), while Massachusetts often leads overall livability/best state rankings (WalletHub), and Utah ranks high overall for Best States (U.S. News). These rankings vary by the specific metrics used, such as health, safety, environment, education, or economic opportunity. 

Where am I supposed to live if I can't afford rent?

Explore Government Assistance Programs

Local state and federal programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide housing that includes units with rents affordable to low-income tenants and vouchers that help offset rent payments at privately owned housing.

Which state is worth moving to?

The study found the best states to move to are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho and Virginia. According to the list, worst states to move to are California, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oregon.

Where is the cheapest rent in the US right now?

The cheapest rent in the U.S. is generally found in the Midwest and South, with West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Iowa consistently ranking as the most affordable states, while cities like Toledo (OH), Wichita (KS), Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Shreveport (LA) offer the lowest average rents, often under $900 monthly for apartments. 

Which states have no state income tax?

As of 2025, there are nine states that don't collect any state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

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.

Where can you live on $1200 a month?

5 Best Countries Where You Can Live on $1,200 a Month

• Albania. If Mediterranean living without the high price tag is what you're seeking, check out Albania. ...
• Cambodia. Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is another country where expats can live on a limited budget. ...
• Peru. ...
• Colombia. ...
• Vietnam.

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

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. 

Is it legal to buy a house for $1?

Giving someone a house as a gift — or selling it to them for $1 — is legally equivalent to selling it to them at fair market value. The home is now the property of the giftee and they may do with it as they wish.

What is the cheapest form of housing?

13 Cheap Housing Alternatives

• Renting a Guest House. ...
• Living in a Mobile Home. ...
• Moving into a Tiny Home. ...
• Living in a Shipping Container Home. ...
• Living as a Live-In Caretaker. ...
• Being an On-Site Property Manager. ...
• Renting Out a Room in Your Home. ...
• Move in with Friends or Family.

Who is eligible for a NACA loan?

Low-to moderate-income Members (i.e., borrowers and co-borrowers) whose combined income is equal to or less than the median family income for the MSA where they are purchasing a home.

What skill pays $100 an hour?

To earn $100 an hour, professionals typically need specialized expertise in high-demand fields such as executive consulting, advanced IT services, legal counsel, or medical specializations, often backed by advanced degrees or certifications.

How much is $60,000 a year hourly?

$60,000 a year is approximately $28.85 per hour, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek (2080 work hours per year). You calculate this by dividing your annual salary by 2080 (52 weeks x 40 hours/week). 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

• Dental Assistant. Dental assisting is one of the best-paying jobs you can start with no degree. ...
• Medical Assistant. ...
• Electrician or HVAC Technician. ...
• Delivery Driver or Courier. ...
• Office or Administrative Assistant. ...
• Security Guard. ...
• Real Estate Agent.