The 3 Lowest-Cost US States To Live In
Money talks, so they say, and it seems to speak louder if you’re living down south. If you’re counting on a six-figure salary to provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable life, you might want to pass on places like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles (or anywhere in California, for that matter), where ultra-high living expenses can take a huge bite out of your earnings.
Consider a move to one of the three lowest-cost U.S. states listed here, and you could find yourself living large in a place that puts only a small dent in your budget. Retirees may also want to consider living in one of these states, where a fixed income could go a lot further. An added bonus: Each state has its own unique attributes, along with a mega dose of southern charm that’s sure to please.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, pricing for luxury homes comes in at around $187,000 (the lowest luxury housing price out of the three states covered in this article). Large cities like Huntington and Charleston offer vibrant urban appeal, while the easy access to nearby mountains and rivers lets you explore nature at your leisure. Come autumn, you can feast your eyes on some of the most glorious fall scenery in the country. You can also indulge in famous West Virginia treats like pepperoni rolls, jerky, and Austin’s Ice Cream all year long. And if down-home bluegrass music is your jam, West Virginia is sure to strike just the right note with you.
Mississippi
In the Magnolia State, you can enjoy life as a top-tier earner on about $81,038 per year. In addition, home-sweet-home comes at a sweet price: the best houses in Mississippi go for about $218,000. This state offers an eclectic mix of urban living and country charm. If you consider yourself a city slicker, head to top cities such as Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, or Biloxi. Mississippians have an affinity for local music, seafood, and a long list of local favorites, such as pecan pie, sweet tea, and deep-fried slug-burgers made of soybeans and beef. I hear ya, it’ll take some getting used to before you can enjoy anything called a “slug-burger.”
Arkansas
Move to Arkansas, and you could snag a luxury home for just $216,200, on average. And since you’ll be saving a bundle of money on your new home, feel free to indulge in a night (or day) on the town that includes world-class mountain music, barbecue, car racing, and more. Need a break from life in the fast lane? Meander around a collection of diverse state parks, enjoy camping that puts you in touch with nature, and learn about the state’s fascinating mountain culture. Arkansas is a slice of heaven, as is the caramel pie that’s a local favorite.
As you can tell, there is, in fact, life outside of the major cosmopolitan cities that you’ve been reading and hearing about your entire life. In fact, if you’re able to let go of some of the beliefs you might have around living outside of media-focused-epicenters, you’ll have a chance to discover a beautiful, cost-effective life in any of these places (and even several others).
While it may be tempting to discover life in a big city like New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, you’ll be thankful that you’re not in one of those places each and every time you make a mortgage payment, fuel up your car, or head out to a nice dinner.