What is the cheapest but safest place to live?

Finding the "cheapest safest" place is a balance, with options like Clovis, CA (safe suburbs) or Chico, CA (midsize charm) offering good value in California, while nationally, places like St. Joseph, MO provide very low housing costs, and regions like Northwest Arkansas offer booming, safe living. The best choice depends on your priorities: big city amenities vs. small-town feel, job markets, and proximity to nature or family.

What country is the cheapest and safest to live in?

The cheapest and safest countries often cited for expats combine affordability with good quality of life, with Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Malaysia, and Czech Republic frequently appearing, offering low living costs (rent under $1000/month in some areas), strong safety ratings, good healthcare, and welcoming expat environments, though specific costs vary by city and lifestyle. While countries like Pakistan or Nepal are cheaper, they may lack infrastructure, while ultra-safe Iceland is expensive, highlighting the trade-off. 

Where is the cheapest and easiest place to live?

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 the cheapest but safest state 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 city has the lowest crime rate?

There isn't one single city with the absolute lowest crime rate, as it depends on population size and metrics, but Irvine, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, Gilbert, AZ, and Plano, TX, consistently rank as very safe large cities (250k+ pop), while smaller cities like Weston, FL, and mid-sized ones like Frisco, TX, often lead lists for low violent crime. Rankings vary, with studies highlighting different safe cities like San Jose, CA, or Warwick, RI, depending on whether they focus on large metro areas or overall safety including factors like natural disasters.
 

Top 5 Safest and Most Affordable Countries to Live or Retire in

What is the #1 crime city in America?

Memphis, Tennessee, consistently ranks as the city with the highest violent crime rate per capita in the U.S. for cities over 100,000 people, followed by cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and St. Louis, according to 2024 data, though some reports show improvements in Memphis's overall crime, citing high rates of theft and violent crime like carjackings as ongoing issues. Rankings can vary slightly by source and the specific crimes included, but Memphis appears at the top for overall violent crime.
 

What makes a place "safe" to live?

Your living space shouldn't have the potential to cause health issues – exposure to things like mold, toxic chemicals, and uncleaned animal mess puts you at risk of physical and mental health challenges. A hoarding condition can create such circumstances that put everyone living within the home at risk.

What are the top 3 cheapest states to live in?

4. Top 10 Cheapest States to Live in 2025

• Arkansas. Arkansas continues to be one of the most affordable states in the U.S., especially for those looking to buy property. ...
• Mississippi. Mississippi is another highly affordable state, particularly in terms of housing. ...
• Oklahoma. ...
• New Mexico. ...
• Missouri. ...
• Tennessee. ...
• Michigan. ...
• Texas.

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.

What are the top 3 safest states to live in?

Based on recent 2025 analyses, the top three safest states in the U.S. are consistently Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, often followed closely by Maine, with these Northeastern states leading due to low violent crime, good healthcare access, and lower disaster risks. These rankings consider factors like crime rates, financial security, and natural disaster prevalence, with New Hampshire often ranking #1 for public safety by specific metrics, while Vermont leads overall in some studies. 

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 nicest place to live in the world?

The "best and cheapest" place is subjective, but top contenders for affordability with good quality of life include Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An), Portugal (less expensive regions), Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), and parts of Eastern Europe (Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia), offering low costs for living, food, and rent, often under $1,500/month for a couple, balancing culture, safety, and natural beauty. 

Where to buy cheap houses in the USA?

You can buy a cheap house in the USA in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Alabama, where median home prices are lower, with cities like Detroit, MI; St. Louis, MO; Pittsburgh, PA; and Dayton, OH often cited as affordable markets. Look for listings on sites like Cheap Old Houses for discounted properties and consider areas with lower cost of living, but be aware that lower incomes often accompany lower housing costs. 

What is the cheapest English-speaking country to live in?

The cheapest English-speaking countries to live in often include South Africa, Belize, the Philippines, Malaysia, and parts of Southeast Asia like Vietnam, with monthly costs potentially as low as $800-$1,000, offering affordability alongside English accessibility, while European options like Cyprus, Malta, and Portugal offer lower costs than Western Europe but are generally pricier. 

What is the no. 1 safest country in the world?

Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for over a decade due to its extremely low crime rates, lack of a military, strong social cohesion, and high levels of trust among citizens, making it a highly peaceful and secure place to live and visit.
 

Where in the world can you live on $1200 a month?

Varna, Bulgaria—one of the cities highlighted in a new report on the world's most affordable places to live or retire for as little as $1,200 a month. That financial reality has more people exploring the idea of moving abroad—whether for retirement, remote work or a lifestyle change.

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.

Is there anywhere that stays 70 degrees year round?

San Diego, California, U.S.

This Pacific Ocean city boasts an average temperature of 70 F (21 C) and more than 260 days of sunshine a year.

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 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 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. 

Where is it cheapest to buy a house?

It's cheapest to buy a house in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Ohio, and Iowa, which consistently rank for low median home prices, often driven by lower demand and rural economies, with West Virginia frequently topping lists due to very low property costs and outdoor appeal, while cities in Texas (McAllen), California (Blythe, Clearlake), and affordable metros like Pittsburgh also offer significant savings. 

What country is #1 in safety?

Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for over a decade due to its extremely low crime rates, lack of a military, strong social cohesion, and high levels of trust among citizens, making it a highly peaceful and secure place to live and visit.
 

What type of houses do burglars avoid?

Burglars avoid houses that appear occupied, well-protected, and difficult to access, especially those with visible security systems, motion lights, dogs (big or small), and signs of activity like cars in the driveway or lights on at night, while favoring low-visibility, isolated homes with overgrown landscaping, stacked deliveries, and no security presence. 

Where is the safest most peaceful place to live?

For ultimate global peace and safety, Iceland consistently ranks #1, followed by Ireland and New Zealand, due to low conflict, high social trust, and strong institutions, but for vibrant city living in the US, Irvine, CA, or Austin, TX, offer great safety with cultural energy, while smaller US cities and places like Denmark (high quality of life) and Switzerland (neutrality, security) are also top contenders.