Top 5 Cheapest states to live in the US with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Cost of living: $1,168.65
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,000
• Median property buying cost: $214,446

Located within the Appalachian Mountain region, West Virginia is known as the Mountain State. It is ideal for nature enthusiasts who enjoy biking and rock climbing in Morgantown, boating and fishing at Summersville Lake, and exploring the waterfalls in Blackwater Falls State Park. 

Residents claim that Charleston is ideal for those who love shopping at places like Charleston Town Central Mall and Capitol Market, while Morgantown offers a quiet lifestyle with outdoor activities, and low cost of living for approximately $1,168.65 per month. As of December 2023, the median property price in West Virginia is $214,446, and a 1-bed apartment rents for around $1,000.

West Virginia.gov (Dec 2023),  Numbeo (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Cost of living: $1,845.41
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,250
• Median property buying cost: $219,903

Ohio is a great state for settling down and raising a family. Living here is affordable, particularly when it comes to housing and the cost of living. As of December 2023, the median home price is $219,903, and a 1-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,250, while the cost of living per month is around $1,845.41. Ohio offers a range of attractions, from lively city scenes with art and culinary excellence to charming historic towns.

It is ideal for families with children, offering some of the best educational facilities, such as Ohio State University and Miami University, and home to many professional and college sports teams. Additionally, residents enjoy the best amusement parks in the country, like Cedar Point and Kings Island. 

Ohio.gov (Dec 2023), Numbeo (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Cost of living: $1,576.37
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,200
• Median property buying cost: $227,563

Michigan is called the Great Lakes state because it has more than 11,000 lakes. Residents can easily balance their work with outdoor activities in the state’s beautiful parks and lakes. Adding to its charm, it has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Native American tribes throughout its history. And it is home to the highest-ranked public school in the Midwest, the University of Michigan, making a great choice for students.

Michiganders claim to live in a friendly community with a lower cost of living, making affordable housing accessible. As of December 2023, the median property price is $227,563, and 1-bedroom apartments are renting for around $1,200. The overall cost of living is around $1,576.37 per month.

State of Michigan (Dec 2023), Numbeo (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Cost of living: $2,073.67
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,350
• Median property buying cost: $233,548

Oklahoma is renowned for its rich Native American history and vibrant country music scene. Residents participate in various events, including festivals and music events. The state provides a dynamic urban-style atmosphere in cities like Oklahoma City, as well as a more quiet ambiance in places like Yukon. It’s advisable to have a car for transportation, as Oklahoma is considered one of the best states for driving.

Residents claim that everything here is relatively more affordable, from the cost of living to having one of the lowest tax burdens in the country. The cost of living in Oklahoma is around $2,073.67 per month. As of December 2023, the median property price is approximately $233,548, with 1-bedroom apartments renting for about $1,350. 

Oklahoma.gov (Dec 2023), Numbeo (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Cost of living: $1,923.21
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,250
• Median property buying cost: $239,939

Missouri offers a blend of natural beauty and friendly communities. Missourians enjoy activities such as hiking in parks like Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Mark Twain National Forest. While metropolitan areas like Kansas City provide more access to amenities like Brookside Shops, and is home to The University of Kansas Hospital, nationally ranked among the country’s top 50 hospitals.

Residents claim that Missouri offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other states, and it also has one of the lowest tax burdens. The average monthly cost of living is around $1,923.21. Additionally, housing is affordable, as of December 2023, the median property price is $239,939, and the cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,250.

Local Logic (Dec 2023), Numbeo (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)