What town has the lowest cost of living?

There's no single "cheapest town" as it depends on location and priorities, but areas like Decatur, IL, Enid, OK, and Mission, TX, are consistently ranked nationally for low costs in 2025-2026, while California's Central Valley (e.g., Merced, Bakersfield, Stockton) offers affordability within the expensive state, with low housing, food, and transport costs. Your best bet involves looking at lists for your state or region, as costs vary greatly by country and even county.

Which US city has the lowest cost of living?

1. Harlingen, Texas. Harlingen, Texas, clinches the title as the cheapest place to live in America, per Kiplinger. In this town situated on Texas' southernmost tip, the cost of living is 24.4 percent below average in the U.S.

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's the cheapest place to live in GA?

Some of the most affordable cities in Georgia include Albany, Warner Robins, Columbus, and Dalton. These cities offer lower housing costs, a reasonable cost of living, and access to essential amenities. 2. Is Georgia a good state for affordable living?

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.

12 Cheap U.S Towns You Can Retire For $1,000 A Month

Can I afford $1000 rent making $20 an hour?

*“If you're earning $20 an hour, you might be wondering — can I really afford $1,000 rent? 🤔 You're bringing in about $3,200 before taxes, and experts suggest keeping rent near 30% of your income — that's roughly $960. So yes, $1,000 rent is doable… but it's tight with other bills.

What to do if I have nowhere to live with no money?

Contact an organization in your local community who can help. Local agencies provide a range of services, including food, housing, health, and safety. Contact a national hotline or locate an organization near you. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911.

What is the cheapest but safest state to live in?

Here are some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the US!

• Live in Boise, Idaho.
• Affordable living in Des Moines, Iowa.
• Winston Salem, North Carolina: among the cheapest cities in USA.
• Live affordably in Naples, Florida.
• Enjoy Lexington, Kentucky.

What state has the lowest cost of living right now?

Cost of living per state: Lowest to highest list

• Arkansas (most affordable)
• Mississippi.
• Alabama.
• West Virginia.
• South Dakota.
• Oklahoma.
• Kentucky.
• North Dakota.

Where can I live in $800 a month in the US?

10 Big City ZIP Codes Where You Can Rent For Under $800

1. Columbus, OH (43227)
2. Indianapolis, IN (46254) ...
3. Houston, TX (77034) ...
4. Indianapolis, IN (46227) ...
5. Indianapolis, IN (46229) ...
6. El Paso, TX (79930) ...
7. Houston, TX (77099) ...
8. Fort Worth, TX (76133) ...

Where can I live on $900 a month?

These days, there aren't too many countries where you can comfortably live on $900 a month or less. But in Thailand, Colombia, and Vietnam, you can live decently (maybe even lavishly) without spending much, and it's fairly simple to obtain a short-term or even a long-term visa.

What city has the cheapest rent?

Cheapest city for rent in the US

While there are lots of small towns with super-cheap rent, the most affordable big city in the U.S. is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It boasts an average rent price of $839 per month.

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.

What is the best state to move to if you are poor?

• New Hampshire. #1 in Low Poverty Rate. #2 in Best States Overall. ...
• Utah. #2 in Low Poverty Rate. #1 in Best States Overall. ...
• Minnesota. #3 in Low Poverty Rate. ...
• Colorado. #4 in Low Poverty Rate. ...
• Maryland. #5 in Low Poverty Rate. ...
• Vermont. #6 in Low Poverty Rate. ...
• New Jersey. #7 in Low Poverty Rate. ...
• North Dakota. #8 in Low Poverty Rate.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy?

In many U.S. cities, renting is the smarter financial choice as homeownership costs far exceed long-term rental expenses. Many of these cities are in California, where high home prices and property taxes make renting more practical.

What is the happiest state to live in?

Hawaii consistently ranks as the happiest and least stressed state in the United States, characterized by high levels of emotional and physical well-being among its residents.

What is the easiest state to live in financially?

• Arkansas. #1 in Affordability. #44 in Best States Overall. ...
• Mississippi. #2 in Affordability. #48 in Best States Overall. ...
• West Virginia. #3 in Affordability. #46 in Best States Overall. ...
• South Dakota. #4 in Affordability. ...
• Oklahoma. #5 in Affordability. ...
• Louisiana. #6 in Affordability. ...
• Iowa. #7 in Affordability. ...
• Alabama. #8 in Affordability.

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 is the #1 crime state in America?

States with the highest and lowest crime rates

Alaska had the highest violent crime rate of any state in 2024, at 724.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, followed by New Mexico (717.1), Tennessee (592.3), Arkansas (579.4) and Louisiana (519.8).

What state is #1 in homelessness?

Key Takeaways. California—also the most populous state—has the largest homeless population in the country, at more than 187,000 people in January, 2024.

What to do if you are broke and homeless?

Check HUD's local homeless assistance list for shelters and housing in your state. Ask a homeless continuing care program provider for help. They can help you find temporary or permanent housing. Contact your local public housing agency (PHA) for help moving from homelessness to more permanent housing.

Did California give homeless people $750 a month?

$750 a month was given to homeless people in California. What they reported spending it on is more evidence that universal basic income works.