What's the cheapest state to move to right now?

The cheapest states to move to right now generally include Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, with Mississippi often topping lists due to very low housing, property taxes, and groceries, though West Virginia is noted for the most affordable housing and rent. These states consistently rank low in cost of living indexes, primarily driven by inexpensive housing and utilities, but it's essential to check local job markets and specific city costs.

What is the most affordable state to live in right now?

Mississippi consistently ranks as the cheapest state to live in the U.S., primarily due to extremely low housing costs, low property taxes, and affordable utilities, with West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas also frequently appearing in the top five for overall affordability. These states offer significantly lower costs for housing, groceries, and transportation compared to the national average, though job opportunities and median incomes can vary. 

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 state has the lowest cost of living but high pay?

There isn't one single state that perfectly balances the absolute lowest cost of living with the highest pay, as high-paying jobs often concentrate in expensive areas, but Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana often appear on lists for good value, offering lower living costs (especially housing) and strong job markets in sectors like tech, energy, and healthcare, while Mississippi and West Virginia have the lowest living costs but also lower average wages, making places like Texas and NC better for "high pay, low COL" balance. 

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. 

TOP 10 CHEAPEST STATES to Live in America

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 the easiest state to get a good paying job?

South Dakota is the best state to find a high-paying entry-level job (76.1% of listings pay above the median wage). Hawaii ranks as the worst state to find a highly paid entry-level job (66.1% of listings pay below the median wage).

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.

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 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?

Alaska consistently ranks as the state with the highest violent crime rate, followed closely by New Mexico, with Tennessee and Arkansas also having very high rates, according to 2024 data from sources like USAFacts and WorldAtlas. These figures reflect crimes per 100,000 residents, showing Alaska at over 724 incidents, significantly above the national average. 

Where is rent the cheapest in the US?

Rent is cheapest in states like West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Kansas, often found in the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Toledo (OH), Oklahoma City (OK), and Cedar Rapids (IA) offering some of the lowest averages, especially for smaller apartments, driven by lower demand and ample land for development. 

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.

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.

What is the lowest paid position at Walmart?

Hourly pay at Walmart.com ranges from an average of $12.62 to $22.96 an hour. Walmart.com employees with the job title Maintenance Technician make the most with an average hourly rate of $23.78, while employees with the title Cashier make the least with an average hourly rate of $13.65.

Is Walmart going to $18 an hour?

Starting in early March, store employees will make between $14 and $19 an hour. They currently earn between $12 and $18 an hour, according to Walmart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield.

How many hours do you need to work at Walmart for benefits?

We'll let you know if you become eligible. Part-time and temporary associates working an average of at least 30 hours per week over a 60-day measurement period will become eligible for benefits.

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.

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.

What state is hiring the most right now?

California, Texas, and Florida consistently lead in the sheer number of job openings, but states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire rank highest for overall job market health and opportunity due to factors like economic environment and low unemployment. Manufacturing-heavy regions, particularly the "Battery Belt" (Michigan, Georgia, Carolinas), also show high demand for skilled labor, creating numerous vacancies, notes Visual Capitalist. 

How to live extremely cheaply?

Frugal living tips

1. I do the less-desirable thing. ...
2. I buy stuff I'll need later whenever it's on sale. ...
3. I compare per-ounce costs before I buy. ...
4. I buy different foods from different sources. ...
5. I'll wait to buy some things I want until I have a coupon. ...
6. I check warehouse clubs and big-box stores for gift cards.

How to start over somewhere new with no money?

To move and start a new life with no money, focus on securing immediate income and free shelter (like couch surfing, work exchange, or temporary jobs) while aggressively reducing belongings and costs, using community aid, and planning for a budget by finding work that pays immediately in a low-cost-of-living area, focusing on essentials first, and building skills for future growth. 

What are some unexpected low cost states?

But if you're cool with cornfields versus crashing waves, you're in luck.

• 12 Cheapest States to Live in for 2025. Here are the 12 states with the lowest cost of living: ...
• West Virginia. ...
• Kansas. ...
• Oklahoma. ...
• Mississippi. ...
• Arkansas. ...
• Alabama. ...
• Missouri.