Affordable Living Across America: A Path to a Brighter Future

In various areas of America, the cost of living has become a major concern. Many Americans are searching for affordable places to live because the cost of rent, groceries, electricity, healthcare and transportation is increasing.

Luckily there are still several cities in America where every dollar goes a little bit further which is in stark contrast to the excessive costs in some of the most costly major areas in the country.

This list was compiled with the use of data from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) which compares various measures of cost of living with variables like median household income, property values and unemployment rates. Finally, 12 American communities with populations over 50 thousand people were selected that could offer you comfort without leaving you penniless. Nevertheless it should be noted that at times low living costs also imply fewer well-paid work opportunities or limited range of leisure options.

12. Texarkana Texas/Arkansas

Texarkana, which straddles two states, offers cheap accommodation as its cost of living is about 15.7% below national average. The city’s median household income stands at $51,544 while its median home value is $117,200. Although job prospects might not promise lots of money saved, prices on basic commodities such as groceries and utilities make up for this.

11. Augusta–Aiken Georgia/South Carolina

Augusta-Aiken located at Georgia-South Carolina border has a cost-of-living index lower by 16% compared to national average. This metropolitan area has approximately 610648 residents, mean earnings per family – $55 143; however; homes’ average price reaches $161800. The region’s importance in cyber security and medical sciences helps it maintain stability.

10. Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg Mississippi is cheaper than national average by 16.3%. It has population of 168469 inhabitants with an average family salary being $48 359 and the price of an average house – $145 300. Nevertheless, Hattiesburg has important government establishments such as University of Southern Mississippi, Camp Shelby.

9. Knoxville, Tenesse

Knoxville with a population of 869525 people, which is the largest on this list, is about 16.4% cheaper than America in general in terms of cost of living. Its rich historical background combined with its modern conveniences makes it highly desirable for many residents. The average household income in Knoxville amounts to $56 623 while median home value is $186 900 thereby striking a right balance between affordability and quality of living standards.

8. Kokomo, Indiana

Being as small as Kokomo Indiana with its population of 82544 is still an industrial hub with a cost-of-living index lower by 16.9% compared to national average. Notwithstanding its small size, Kokomo boasts an average earning per family – $53 440, while property value stands at $109800 .Nevertheless, automotive industry dominance may render unpredictable employment dynamics within the city.

7. Joplin, Missouri

Joplin Missouri that was acknowledged for its resilience after the lethal storm hit it hard in2011 so far has a living cost index lower by17.3 percent than across the nation on average .The city counts approximately 179564 inhabitants whose mean earnings amount to$48 ,909; though median house’s selling price –$127800 are considered low. Although housing costs are much lower some things like prescription medicines or telecommunications could be more expensive than they normally are throughout the country.

6. Anniston, Alabama

Located near the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge is Anniston, Alabama which has a cost of living that is 17.7% lower than the national average. The city has 113,605 residents and its median household income is $48,156 while the median home value is $121,600. However, housing costs are much cheaper and utility expenses may be higher than normal.

5. Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo in Texas has a population of about 269,447 people and cost of living that is 18.3% below the country’s average. The median household income for the city stands at $53,510 whereas a medium home costs about $1563000.Amarillo maintains strong economic stability and lower living costs thereby making it an attractive option to individuals who want affordable life but do not want to affect their standards of living.

4. Jackson, Mississippi

With over half million residents(594800), Jackson in Mississippi has a cost of living that is 20.9% below the national average.The city should earn only a pro forma type of revenue based on its typical family earnings being $52,426 and having a middle property value equaling to $153800.Jackson offers many reasonably priced vacations for both individuals and families because it boasts numerous cultural outlets within it that make up its affordability index.

3. McAllen, Texas

The cost of living in McAllen, Texas is approximately 22.3% less as compared to other places around the country.However this can be viewed as an advantage given its low unemployment rate (8.9%) compared with other cities.McAllen on center field recording during live provides some obvious discounts for those who dwell within them since it records only one standard deviation from the mean against all possible values when referred to their respective states or regions.Besides having an average annual income figure of $41,800 and a home value median of $93,400; it is significantly low as compared to the state or regional averages for income levels.

2. Harlingen, Texas

Harlingen, Texas is very similar to McAllen in costs with regards to living expenses which stands at 22.7% less than national average.However this city has a lower unemployment rate (7.9%) compared to others making it more promising.Harlingen also tends to remain inexpensive even during economic downturns because its mean family income amounts to $41,123 while its typical property cost falls at around $89,000.

1. Kalamazoo, Michigan

The number one city in terms of affordability is Kalamazoo in Michigan where the cost of living is 22.9% below the national average.The town has a population of approximately 265066 residents with an average household earning us about $56441and an average house priced at around $171800.Despite slight economic shortcomings, Kalamazoo offers many recreational activities and cultural attractions that make it ideal for any budget traveler.

Sophia Nguyen

Associate Writer • Environmental Technology and Sustainability Writer

Sophia writes articles on innovations in green technology, including ca energy, sustainable materials, and explores how technology can address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.