The Cheapest Places to Live in 2024
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With 2024 shaping up to be a year of financial recalibration, many are looking to stretch their incomes further by relocating to areas with lower costs of living. This trend is fueled by the increasing availability of remote work, allowing people to choose their homes based on affordability and quality of life rather than proximity to the office.
New York City, for example, has one of the highest average rents in the country at around $3,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. According to the July 2024 report by ApartmentList.com, to comfortably afford this, one would need a monthly income of about $11,667, or $140,000 per year. For many, this financial burden is unsustainable, prompting a move to more affordable destinations.
There are states and cities with significantly lower costs of living that are welcoming new residents and helping them maximize their income. The cheapest average one-bedroom apartment, according to recent data, is $650 in Odessa, Texas. While Odessa may not offer the same amenities as New York, the rent for an entire year is approximately $7,800, compared to a month in Manhattan. Living in a city with a low cost of living can dramatically increase your financial freedom and quality of life.
So, where are the cheapest cities in the country that offer low housing costs, affordability in daily expenses, and a good quality of life? Here are some of the best places to consider in 2024.
Insights
First, let's highlight the national averages so you know where you fit in — above or below — and why those on this list are good bets.
- National average monthly rent: $1,535 as of July 2024
- National average price of gas per gallon: $3.506 as of July 2024
- National Cost of Living: $61,334
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Cheapest places to live in 2024
While we list cities based on the cheapest rent, as reported in July 2024, we also illustrate the average cost of living and livability score from AreaVibes. (Cost of living scores are based out of 100. The further below 100 are the cheapest, and those above 100 are the most expensive.) And then, because it doesn’t matter how low the cost of living is but whether you have a job, we also looked into each city’s unemployment rate. The following are the cheapest cities in the U.S.
20. Portland, Oregon
Known for its vibrant arts scene, Portland is also home to one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, Powell's City of Books. The city is famous for its food carts, with over 600 operating in various pods around town, offering a diverse array of international cuisines.
Livability (78): Portland boasts excellent public transportation, numerous parks, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Average monthly rent: $1,497
- Population: 650,380
- State gas prices: $3.986
- State cost of living: $66,710
- Unemployment rate: 4.2
19. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, part of the Research Triangle, is celebrated for its high quality of life and education. The city is home to the North Carolina Museum of Art, which boasts a 164-acre park featuring monumental works of art, including trails and an amphitheater.
Livability (84): Raleigh offers a balanced mix of urban and suburban living, with great schools and a thriving job market.
- Average monthly rent: $1,359
- Population: 469,698
- State gas prices: $3.373
- State cost of living: $59,050
- Unemployment rate: 3.6
18. Orlando, Florida
Beyond its world-renowned theme parks, Orlando is known for its thriving performing arts scene. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, ballet, and concerts, adding to the city's vibrant cultural offerings.
Livability (81): Orlando enjoys a warm climate year-round, diverse neighborhoods, and a growing tech industry.
- Average monthly rent: $1,566
- Population: 284,817
- State gas prices: $3.427
- State cost of living: $60,210
- Unemployment rate: 3.3
17. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a city rich in history and culture, home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta History Center. The city also boasts a booming film industry, earning it the nickname "Hollywood of the South."
Livability (78): Atlanta combines a strong economy with southern hospitality, offering diverse housing options and bustling nightlife.
- Average monthly rent: $1,572
- Population: 497,642
- State gas prices: $3.369
- State cost of living: $61,250
- Unemployment rate: 3.2
16. Austin, Texas
Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, hosts the famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which features music, film, and interactive media. The city is also known for its tech industry and vibrant food scene, especially its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Livability (83): Austin is known for its laid-back lifestyle, outdoor activities, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Average monthly rent: $1,440
- Population: 965,872
- State gas prices: $3.121
- State cost of living: $61,240
- Unemployment rate: 4.0
15. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a bustling metropolis known for its high concentration of corporate headquarters, including 24 Fortune 500 companies. The city is also home to the Dallas Arts District, the largest urban arts district in the United States.
Livability (81): Dallas offers a robust job market, diverse neighborhoods, and a rich cultural heritage.
- Average monthly rent: $1,376
- Population: 1,338,846
- State gas prices: $3.121
- State cost of living: $61,240
- Unemployment rate: 4.0
14. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is a major U.S. financial hub, second only to New York City in banking assets. The city is also known for its NASCAR roots, with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Motor Speedway attracting motorsports fans from all over.
Livability (80): Charlotte features a low cost of living, family-friendly communities, and ample recreational opportunities.
- Average monthly rent: $1,438
- Population: 873,570
- State gas prices: $3.373
- State cost of living: $59,050
- Unemployment rate: 3.6
13. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is famous for the Alamo and its rich colonial heritage. The city's River Walk, a network of walkways along the San Antonio River, is lined with cafes, shops, and entertainment venues, making it a vibrant center of activity.
Livability (80): San Antonio offers a relaxed lifestyle with a rich cultural scene and affordable housing.
- Average monthly rent: $1,090
- Population: 1,529,133
- State gas prices: $3.121
- State cost of living: $61,240
- Unemployment rate: 4.0
12. Columbus, Ohio
Home to Ohio State University, Columbus boasts a lively college-town atmosphere with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The city is also known for its Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, among the best in the nation.
Livability (81): Columbus combines urban and suburban living with a growing job market and diverse cultural attractions.
- Average monthly rent: $1,108
- Population: 889,079
- State gas prices: $3.497
- State cost of living: $59,890
- Unemployment rate: 4.2
11. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is renowned for its desert beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking in the Sonoran Desert and Camelback Mountain. The city also has a burgeoning art scene, highlighted by the First Fridays Art Walk in downtown Phoenix.
Livability (76): Phoenix offers a sunny climate, affordable living, and a vibrant urban atmosphere.
- Average monthly rent: $1,308
- Population: 1,658,422
- State gas prices: $3.490
- State cost of living: $63,040
- Unemployment rate: 3.4
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10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities. The city is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, attracting athletes from around the world.
Livability (79): Colorado Springs combines scenic beauty with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community.
- Average monthly rent: $1,308
- Population: 471,686
- State gas prices: 3.330
- State cost of living: $71,960
- Unemployment rate: 3.8
9. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the nation, with over 80,000 acres of parks and preserves. The city's extensive network of waterways, including the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts.
Livability (84): Jacksonville offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, affordable housing, and abundant outdoor activities.
- Average monthly rent: $1,277
- Population: 902,488
- State gas prices: $3.427
- State cost of living: $60,210
- Unemployment rate: 3.3
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas offers more than just casinos. The city is a hub for world-class dining, shopping, and live performances, with a thriving arts district and numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.
Livability (82): Las Vegas provides a vibrant nightlife, diverse entertainment options, and affordable living.
- Average monthly rent: $1,256
- Population: 644,594
- State gas prices: $3.993
- State cost of living: $58,900
- Unemployment rate: 5.1
7. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is known for its cowboy culture and Western heritage, highlighted by the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The city also has a burgeoning arts scene, with institutions like the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Livability (80): Fort Worth features a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with affordable housing and a family-friendly environment.
- Average monthly rent: $1,248
- Population: 892,221
- State gas prices: $3.121
- State cost of living: $61,240
- Unemployment rate: 4.0
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is famous for its brewing traditions and is home to the iconic Miller Brewery. The city also hosts the annual Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, attracting top musical acts and millions of visitors.
Livability (79): Milwaukee offers a rich cultural scene, affordable living, and a strong sense of community.
- Average monthly rent: $1,119
- Population: 592,649
- State gas prices: $3.344
- State cost of living: $59,500
- Unemployment rate: 2.9
5. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is renowned for its jazz heritage, with the American Jazz Museum celebrating the genre's history. The city is also famous for its barbecue, with numerous award-winning barbecue joints offering a taste of Kansas City-style smoked meats.
Livability (78): Kansas City combines cultural richness with affordable living and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
- Livability: 78
- Average monthly rent: $1,147
- Population: 491,158
- State gas prices: $3.228
- State cost of living: $57,580
- Unemployment rate: 3.5
4. Houston, Texas
Houston is a global city with a thriving energy industry and a diverse cultural scene. The city is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, where visitors can learn about space exploration and see astronauts train for missions.
Livability (74): Houston boasts a diverse population, strong economy, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
- Average monthly rent: $1,167
- Population: 2,313,238
- State gas prices: $3.121
- State cost of living: $61,240
- Unemployment rate: 4.0
3. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, which symbolizes the city's role as the "Gateway to the West." The city also boasts a rich musical heritage, particularly in blues, and is home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Livability (74): St. Louis offers a low cost of living, rich cultural experiences, and a tight-knit community feel.
- Average monthly rent: $1,069
- Population: 304,709
- State gas prices: $3.228
- State cost of living: $57,580
- Unemployment rate: 3.5
2. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is synonymous with motorsports, hosting the famous Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene, with attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
Livability (76): Indianapolis provides affordable living, diverse neighborhoods, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Average monthly rent: $1,067
- Population: 869,387
- State gas prices: $3.513
- State cost of living: $56,420
- Unemployment rate: 3.7
1. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is celebrated for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene, with institutions like the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The city is also known for its distinctive chili, served over spaghetti in the local "Cincinnati style."
Livability (80): Cincinnati features affordable living, rich cultural offerings, and a strong sense of community.
- Average monthly rent: $1,055
- Population: 302,687
- State gas prices: $3.497
- State cost of living: $59,890
- Unemployment rate: 4.2
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Director of Content
Lissa Poirot is Joy Wallet’s Head of Content and an award-winning journalist and editor with a focus on finance, travel and health. Her work has appeared online and in print, and she has often been cited as a source on both. She currently resides in Pennsylvania.
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