Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022 with the Best Quality of Life
- Last updated on: May 12, 2022
The United States, a land of opportunity and liberty. This multicultural country has one of the most diverse natural landscapes in the world. From beautiful beaches to mountains, the country has many National Parks that are perfect for outdoor activities. However, the cost of living in the U.S. can be expensive as home prices are rising all around the country. At MovingWaldo, we understand that you might be looking for ways to maximize your money. Here are some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the U.S. ! These places were chosen based on their quality of life, access to essential facilities nearby and the average house and apartment prices.
The Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.
1. Wausau, Wisconsin
The city of Wausau is situated near the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Some of the facilities in the city include the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Yawkey House Museum. If you are a nature lover, The Rib Mountain State Park is one of Wauson’s best parks. In winter, people living in Wisconsin also love to go sliding in the Sylvan Tubing Hill with their friends. The average home price in Wausau is around $112,700 making it 31% lower than the American average. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Wausau is $652 per month. This city has some of the most affordable housing in America.
(AreaVibes & TripAdvisor)
Wausau, Wisconsin
2. Midland, Michigan
Situated near the Dow Gardens and the Chippewa Nature Center, Midland is a perfect city if you enjoy walking in nature. Also, if you have children, you should know that the schools are excellent in Midland. According to the Public School Review, the district’s average testing ranking is 10/10 making it in the top 10% of public schools in Michigan. The average home price in Midland is $140,900. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Midland is $750 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Midland, Michigan
3. Lynchburg, Virginia
From galleries to urban trails, you won’t get bored in the city, as it is full of history. With the University of Lynchburg, this city is perfect for young people and young families as it is one of the safest and cheapest places in the U.S. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Lynchburg is around $149,600. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Lynchburg is around $782 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Lynchburg, Virginia
4. Glens Falls, New York
This small city is in Warren County, has plenty of little shops and restaurants. If you want to enjoy a nice slice of pizza with your friends and family, the Downtown City Tavern is the place to go. Moreover, there are a lot of parks in the city. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Glen Falls is around $150,800. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Glen Falls is around $821 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Glens Falls, New York
5. Holtville, California
Situated in the state of California which is known for its beautiful temperature all year round, Holtville is near the Mexican border. Bombay Beach Marina is about one hour away from the city. It is one of the favorite places of people living in Holtville to refresh in the summer. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Holtville is around $150,900, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in California and in the U.S. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Holtville is around $716 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Holtville, California
6. Elizabethtown, Kentucky
With a total of 650 acres, we can say that there are plenty of parks in the city of Elizabethtown. In summer, Freeman Lake Park is one of the favorite destinations of people living in this area to go kayaking, swimming and boating. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Elizabethtown is around $162,300, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in America. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Elizabethtown is around $728 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
7. Logan, Utah
From the golf course to the aquatic center and parks, this city is perfect for young families because you will find many facilities. If you don’t have a vehicle, Logan has a great transportation system. The Cache Valley Transit District (CVTD) is the main transportation system in the city. However, there is also an airport shuttle and the Aggie Shuttles fare free services provided by Utah State University. The university is situated in the middle of the city and has an excellent reputation. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Logan is around $164,000. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Logan is around $668 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Logan, Utah
8. Wenatchee, Washington
Wine tastings and unique markets are one of the many things the city has to offer. With its historical downtown and its beautiful landscape, this city is perfect for young active families. Biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming are some of the activities you can enjoy during summer time in Wenatchee. In winter you can go skiing in the Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort which is only 30 minutes away from the city. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Wenatchee is around $208,200. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Wenatchee is around $810 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Wenatchee, Washington
9. Portland, Maine
If you love going to the beach, Portland is the perfect city for you. There are plenty of beautiful beaches near Portland such as Old Orchard Beach and Crescent Beach. With an estimated population of 65,645 in 2022, it is one of the most populated cities among the 10 cheapest places to live in America. It is the perfect city if you are looking for affordable housing but still want to enjoy all the advantages of the city. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in Portland is around $248,000. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in Portland is around $969 per month.
(*AreaVibes)
Portland, Maine
10. State College, Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a city with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and parks, State College is a great city for you and your family. The public schools in the city are also highly rated. You will also find Penn State University in State College. If you plan to live in the area, the average home price in State College is around $275,700. As for an apartment, the average price of rent in State College is around $968 per month.
State College, Pennsylvania
Affordable Housing Options in the U.S.
Even though we’ve looked at some of the cheapest places to live in the U.S., you might want to know other affordable housing options. To avoid breaking the bank, check out the affordable housing options below.
Tiny Houses in U.S.
Tiny houses are small houses of around 400 sq ft. that are usually on wheels so they can easily be parked and transported. Tiny houses on wheels are considered a recreational vehicle in the United States. If you want this type of tiny house, you will have to register your home as a recreational vehicle and figure out a place to park it. However, you can also have a tiny house on a foundation. A tiny house can cost anywhere from $10 000 to $150 000 depending on who built it, the materials used and how big it is. In the U.S., tiny houses regulation and laws are dictated by the state and by the country. You should look out for the specific requirements of your state and county if you want a tiny house.
(*Tiny House Society)
Some of the tiny house communities and movements in the United States:
Getting Roommates in U.S.
Depending on which states you are living in, rent can be expensive if you live on a tight budget. The rent price is particularly high in California and Hawaii. Getting roommates is a wonderful way to reduce your housing costs each month. Students in the U.S. mostly get roommates so they can be near their university without having to overspend on their rent or travel far.
How Much Mortgage Can I Afford in the United States?
Mortgages given to you by a bank depend on the amount of money you earn, debts incurred, and your general living expenses. The higher mortgage you can afford, the more expensive a home you can afford to purchase.
The price of homes can vary depending on which states you are living in the United States. However, you might want to find out how much mortgage you can afford with this mortgage calculator based on your household income, debts, and down payment amount.
Household Income before taxes, no debts | Down Payment | Maximum Mortgage You Can Afford in U.S. Term length: 30 years fixed Interest rate: 3.500% |
$70,000 | $20,000 | $256,983 |
$100,000 | $30,000 | $396,668 |
$120,000 | $40,000 | $493,125 |
Why Do People Move to the U.S.?
People move to the U.S. for the following reasons:
- Career opportunities
- Stunning nature views
- Investment opportunities
- Outdoor recreational activities: skiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and more!
- Cultural diversity
- Top-notch educational institutions
Conclusion
The U.S. is home to many lakes, mountains, and natural parks, making it perfect for nature lovers. The country also offers excellent career opportunities. With this list of the 10 cheapest places to live in the United States, you should be able to make a choice after determining what type of housing you can afford based on your income and lifestyle. If you are moving across the U.S. soon, you might also want to check out America’s best long distance moving companies.
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