While many people love the idea of living in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, it simply isn’t viable for most people. They are among the most expensive cities on the planet. They can cost thousands of dollars a month to live. Sure, some people make enough to live in these cities with ease. But with most Americans having less than $1,000 in savings, many simply cannot afford it and need to look elsewhere.
However, just because you don’t live in LA or New York doesn’t mean you need to be relegated to living in a country village or small town. There are plenty of larger and bustling cities that are not only cheaper than NYC and LA but among the cheapest places to live in the country. With that in mind, this article is going to look at a few of the most affordable places to live in the USA that still grant you all the amenities of a big city.
Memphis, Tennessee
If you are a fan of music and food (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Memphis could be a great place for you. In addition to the tons of different things to do in Memphis, it is also incredibly affordable. Real estate in the city is almost unbelievably cheap as many homes can be found for under $100,000. In a city with a population of over 600,000, this is a steal. Not only that, but rental prices are also incredibly fair.
The economy in Memphis is strong and there are a ton of jobs to be had and many quality educational institutions. Unemployment is relatively low, too. Add to that the fact that the overall cost of living is much lower than many other cities of a similar size, and you have a great city for those looking to save money.
Boise, Idaho
A city like Boise, Idaho (with its 200,000+ residents) is a perfect place for those looking to leave big and expensive cities. It still offers big-city amenities, with fewer people and far fewer costs and a much more manageable commute. Boise is great for a wide range of people as it offers many jobs, a tight community, access to the great outdoors and most importantly, affordable living.
While the housing prices are higher than Memphis and some of the other affordable places to live, the other costs of living such as groceries, utilities, healthcare and more bring the cost of living way down. Add to that the incredibly low unemployment rate and the fact that Boise is booming and experiencing growth, and it is no surprise Boise is often voted one of the best places to live.
Dallas, Texas
While Dallas might not be quite as cheap as some of the other cities listed, it is rare to find a city of well over a million people that is so affordable. The average income in Dallas more than makes up for the real estate and rental prices. This makes it just as affordable as many smaller cities. Dallas is a hub for just about everything from culture, to sports, to business, to cuisine and everything in between.
Many would expect a city of Dallas’s size and magnitude to be incredibly pricey, but that’s not the case. There are certainly some expensive areas in Dallas, but there are also some that are affordable as well. Whether you want to live in an Uptown Dallas Neighborhood or anywhere else in the city, there are deals to be found. Dallas is a perfect place for those looking to live in an advanced metropolitan city, without having to break the bank.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sitting at over 600,000 residents, Oklahoma City is the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. Add the few hundred thousand people who live in the metro area and you have an area with more than 1 million residents. The city is home to many amenities that you would expect of a city that size. This includes sports teams, museums, great restaurants and hundreds of other things to do.
But one thing you might not expect is just how affordable the city is. The costs of housing (both buying and renting) are quite a bit lower than the average in the country. In addition to that, the overall cost of living as a whole is also much lower. There are also plenty of jobs in the city so finding one shouldn’t prove too incredibly difficult.
In conclusion, we hope this article helped you learn about some of the most affordable large places to live in the USA.
