There’s no reason you can’t stretch your dollars and enjoy the good stuff at the same time. It’s totally possible in several places across America where living is easy on a certain budget. No matter what you’re looking for, here are 25 towns and cities in America where you can live comfortably for around $1,500 a month.
Harlingen, Texas
In Harlingen, Texas, your dollars stretch further than a Texas highway, and it’s a perfect place for people who want a mix of warm weather and low bills. According to statistics, the cost of living is 23% cheaper than the national average. It has some of the cheapest housing and grocery bills around, meaning you can save for things that really matter.
Conway, Arkansas
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing some small-town charm without the hefty price tag, then Conway, Arkansas, is your kind of place. Housing costs are pretty low, and the town’s got all the essentials covered with some cozy cafes and stunning parks. It’s the kind of place where you can actually unwind after a day’s work.
Tupelo, Mississippi
It sounds strange, but you can actually live in Elvis’s birthplace of Tupelo, Mississippi, without spending a king’s salary. It’s a place that’s rich with music history and affordability, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. In Tupelo, you can enjoy some music and save your pennies at the same time.
McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas, is right on the border with Mexico, and its cost of living is as welcoming as the local community. When you’re grocery shopping or in need of medical care, you’ll see just how cheap things can really be. Plus, there’s always something happening, like cultural festivals and farmer’s markets, so you’ll never get bored.
Augusta, Georgia
Any golf fans might want to think about moving to Augusta, Georgia, as it’s where you can see the Masters Golf Tournament without having to pay luxury prices. There are plenty of other cultural events as well, including concerts and historic sites, without the price tag that usually comes from these places. It’s well worth checking out.
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas, is famous for being a great student town, but it’s also good for anybody who’s watching their budgets. The town has some of the most affordable living costs in America, especially if you’re renting. Jonesboro’s filled with lots of youthful energy and plenty of places to hang out without overpaying.
Ashland, Ohio
Ashland, Ohio, is where living truly is easy. If you’re looking for somewhere you can get some peace and quiet without paying through the nose for it, this is the one for you. The low housing prices mean you’ll have enough money left to enjoy the local diners and beautiful outdoors.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
It’s no surprise that Fort Wayne, Indiana, is becoming popular with artists because it’s the perfect mix of affordability and culture. The living costs are pretty low, which means that there’s plenty of cash to fund the growing arts scene. There’s always something creative going on, and you won’t have to empty your wallet to take part in it.
Springfield, Illinois
There’s a lot more to Springfield, Illinois, than meets the eye. Of course, it has the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Muesum, but there are also lots of savings to make here, too, especially in real estate. It’s a city where you can soak up some history while also saving for the future.
Wichita Falls, Texas
The military base in Wichita Falls, Texas, is one of the main reasons why the local economy’s doing so well and the living costs are down. It doesn’t matter if you’re a service member or a civilian because it has a great community with a strong sense of pride. The manageable cost of living is just the tip of the iceberg.
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur, Illinois, might have huge agriculture and marketing industries, but they’re not the only things blooming. Here, the cost of living is low enough to make anyone think about planting roots. If you’re into outdoor activities or even a bit of a homebody, you’ll find it easy to fit in and even easier to afford it.
Valdosta, Georgia
If you’re looking for somewhere a little warmer, the climate in Valdosta, Georgia, is pretty great, and it’s also quite affordable. Even with the local university, this is a place with a laid-back lifestyle that has all the amenities you need. There’s also plenty of community spirit to help you feel connected to the people around you.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan, has a deal you can’t beat with the Promise Scholarship, which helps you save on college tuition if you’ve attended the local schools. This makes it a magnet for families looking to save on educational costs and enjoy an academically driven community without the financial strain. Housing, in particular, is much cheaper than the national average.
Joplin, Missouri
Even though they had a devastating tornado in 2011, the sense of community in Joplin, Missouri, is stronger than ever. The town pulled together to create a safe and friendly place where everyone pitches in and looks out for each other. The result? A place where all the neighbors know each other, and you won’t stay awake at night worrying about the cost of living.
Pueblo, Colorado
Looking for a place to flex your creative muscles without spending a fortune? Then Pueblo, Colorado, is the one for you because it has a huge art scene and a low-cost lifestyle. It’s easy to live creatively here on a budget, and there are also plenty of events throughout the year that you can enjoy.
Norman, Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is easily the most famous part of Norman, Oklahoma, but perhaps the town’s low living costs should put it on the map. You can experience living in a college town here without those typical prices, especially when it comes to housing and eating out. With all those community programs, you’ll get to do lots of exciting things for cheap.
Cedar Park, Texas
Cedar Park, Texas, is just a stone’s throw from Austin, and it’s an alternative for anyone who wants to live that city life without the price tag. You’ll be able to enjoy all the things that Austin’s become famous for, like music and tech, but you won’t have to worry about the living costs. Cedar Park’s also growing quickly, with new businesses and venues for every taste and budget.
Lynchburg, Virginia
Lynchburg, Virginia, is a gorgeous mix of young and old at prices that make sense for everyone. There are lots of colleges for the younger folk, while there’s plenty of history for anyone a bit older. The city’s keen to show off its historical roots with regular community events, which you can experience on a budget.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Most people know Bowling Green, Kentucky, for its Corvette manufacturing plants, although many of them don’t know about its low living costs. They’re just as appealing as the cars themselves, so it’s the perfect spot for car fans and anyone watching their finances. The city’s also not short on affordable housing or local businesses.
Anniston, Alabama
Anniston, Alabama, is just right for anyone who’s looking to slow down and save, as it has a slow pace of life with all the essentials for a low price. It’s where you can enjoy your days without feeling the rush of other places or financial concerns. All the businesses here thrive on supporting each other, so it’s easy to live well for less.
Erie, Pennsylvania
There’s no denying that Lake Erie is absolutely stunning, but so is the cost of living in Erie, Pennsylvania. It’s a fantastic place where you can enjoy the waterfront and low real estate and food costs. And if you’re into the outdoors, the town has lots of parks and recreational activities that are either free or pretty low-cost.
Sumter, South Carolina
With low housing costs and a friendly community, Sumter, South Carolina, is great for both military families and people who want a more budget-friendly lifestyle. The strong military presence keeps local businesses going and also provides plenty of job opportunities. Weirdly, it was actually known as Sumterville when it was first established.
Lima, Ohio
Lima, Ohio, is proof that even small cities can have big savings because everything here, like housing and entertainment, comes with a smaller price tag. For example, housing is 44% lower than the national average, while utilities are 7% cheaper. In Lima, you can stretch your dollars in a place where community is more important than anything.
Kokomo, Indiana
Kokomo is making a comeback both in terms of its industry and its affordability. This town gives all its residents the chance to enjoy some unique industrial charm with low living costs, which is great for young families and retirees. The sheer number of local initiatives and developments also helps to keep this place cheap for all its residents.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The local university in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, means that this is the place for anyone starting out or looking to maximize their savings while enjoying a lively community. Community engagement is pretty important in Hattiesburg, which makes living here fun and affordable. And better yet, the average commute time is lower than the national average.
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