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These are the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA
Here are some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA. From sunny Florida, to the Pacific Northwest, and everything in between, these places have low living costs and low crime rates.
6min
Because the USA is such a massive country, the cost of living varies greatly. Some states, particularly California and those in the northeast, are very expensive to live in. Other states, such as those in the midwest or in the south, are very affordable.
As inflation causes living costs to rise in the USA and in many other countries, young people may find themselves wondering where they can settle down without spending a fortune. Luckily, there are some very affordable places to travel in the USA and live.
In addition to looking for the cheapest places to live in the USA, people must also consider safety. Some cities are so cheap because they have lots of crime and it is an undesirable place to live. But that isn’t always the case. The USA is home to lots of cities that are cheap but also safe.
This list will include some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the US. These places have affordable living costs in terms of rent, transport, utilities, and more.
Here are some of the cheapest and safest places to live in the US!
Paired with low crime rates and overall happy citizens, these cities are some of the best in the country if you’re looking for affordability and safety. It is possible to live and travel cheaply in the US!
If you are planning a trip in the US, a great way to save money at the same time that you meet like-minded travellers and learn new skills, is being part of a volunteer program.
In Worldpackers, there are many work-exchange opportunities in the USA, from city hostels to rural farms and eco villages.
Settle down in Augusta, Georgia
Augusta, a small city near Georgia’s border with South Carolina, is one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA.
It has a low crime rate and a low cost of living, making it perfect for those looking to live comfortably and save money.
Augusta is just 2 hours from Atlanta, an exciting city.
If you’re looking to further save money in Georgia, you can volunteer at a home stay in Clarkston just outside Atlanta.
Live in Boise, Idaho
The capital city of Idaho is another one of the safest and most affordable places to live. Boise is known for its abundance of outdoor activities in addition to its low crime rate.
As one of the up and coming cities of the Pacific Northwest, living here is much more affordable than other popular cities in the region like Seattle or Portland.
However, you can find a few work exchanges in Oregon and Washington if you’re looking to exchange some hours of work for accomodation.
Enjoy the sun and sand in Virginia Beach, Virginia
It’s rare to find beachside living in the USA that is affordable. But Virginia Beach is actually one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the country.
Full of historic buildings and a lively boardwalk, there is plenty to do here. There are parks and museums in addition to the beautiful beach, and you can find affordable rent.
Virginia Beach is also one of the best cheap beach vacations in the USA!
Affordable living in Des Moines, Iowa
The landlocked state of Iowa is not always high on travelers and locals lists of places to visit in the USA. But if you’re looking for the safest and most affordable places to live, Des Moines definitely makes the list.
It has one of the lowest living costs in the country, with rent and utilities costing a fraction of what they do in pricier states.
Des Moines also has some nice attractions, like a Botanic Garden, farmer’s markets, museums, landmarks, parks, and nightlife with live music.
El Paso, Texas: one of the best cities to live in the US
El Paso is not only one of the safest cities in US, it is ranked as one of the best cities to live in.
It has a good job market, warm weather, good infrastructure, and its citizens are happy overall. Located right on the border with Mexico, El Paso is very multicultural and is a convenient location for planning trips to Central America.
Worldpackers has almost 200 work exchange opportunities in Mexico! So, if you’re looking to further save money and have an interesting cultural experience, consider a volunteering experience in the neighbouring country while living in El Paso, Texas.
Bakersfield, an inexpensive town in California
California is generally not one of the cheapest places to live in the USA. However, there are some cheap neighborhoods and affordable places to live in the Golden State.
Bakersfield is one of those places. Rent or buy a home for very cheap and enjoy all the natural beauty and big cities that California has to offer.
Keep reading: The 21 best things to do in Southern California, USA.
Winston Salem, North Carolina: among the cheapest cities in USA
This city in North Carolina is another one of the most affordable and safest places to live in the USA. The cost of living here is cheap and it is one of the most liveable cities in the country.
Located just a few hour’s drive from the Great Smoky Mountains and other national parks in the US, this is also an amazing place to live for nature lovers.
Check out Worldpackers work exchange options around North Carolina in places like Sunbury, New Hanover, and Columbus Country for more ideas.
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas
Located in the center of the USA, Kansas is an underrated place to live.
Because it is so far from the coast and other famous cities and attractions, travelers rarely stop by here. But when considering the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA, Kansas is a great option.
Topeka -the capital city of Kansas- is one of the safest cities in the US, with a super low crime rate, and is home to many museums, historic sites, and gardens.
The city also has low prices on rent, transport, utilities, and more.
Live affordably in Naples, Florida
Naples is one of the safest and most affordable places to live in Florida.
As an overall very affordable state, Florida has low prices for renting or buying property and has a pretty low cost of living. Crime rates vary throughout Florida, but Naples has a very low one.
With gorgeous beaches, warm water filled with wildlife, and sunny weather for most of the year, it’s no surprise that many people relocate to Florida. Florida also has no state income tax, making it even more affordable to live there.
There are also lots of cool places to visit around Florida, so if you live there you’ll never be bored.
Head to the big cities of Miami, Tampa, or Orlando. Or consider a work exchange in St. Augustine or Key West, or check out the Florida Everglades and state parks.
Enjoy Lexington, Kentucky
Another one of the cheapest places to live in the US is Lexington, Kentucky.
This city has a stable economy and a booming job market, as well as low crime rates and affordable rent or house prices.
There are lots of museums, farms and horse pastures, historic estates and gardens, and more. It’s a stable place to raise a family and settle down in the USA, and it’s cheaper than most other cities in the country.
Thanks for reading this list of the cheapest and safest places to live in the USA!
There are many more cities that could be added to the list. Because the USA is so huge, there are lots of cities and smaller towns that are affordable, they’re just not known about.
If you are seriously considering moving and settling down somewhere, always do extensive research before you commit to anything. But if you explore a bit, you’ll find there are lots of affordable and safe places to live in the USA.
For further inspiration about traveling in the USA, check out:
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first_name_3551739
Jul 25, 2022
Please take Bakersfield off this list. It is full of crime, it's dirty, and its way overpriced for what it is. Bakersfield is the armpit of Cali along with Fresno
Sara
Oct 11, 2022
AUGUSTA SAFE???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 90 GANGS, Many homeless and surrounded by a ghetto. It’s only safe if you stay inside your home in the middle of nowhere.
Becks
Jul 15, 2023
Hello, Thank you for your article. Do you have sources for the information you posted? I am a Floridian and while Naples does have lower crime, it is an extremely expensive place to live. The medium house price is well over 1/2 million even for a 1 or 2-bed house is $400,000. In fact, the medium household income in 2022 was $125,000 and it is listed as the 2nd wealthiest city in Fla. With all due respect, perhaps you could do more research and re-publish your article.
Sue
Aug 24, 2023
Naples Florida is the playground of the wealthy! Not affordable at all! How did you do your research?