In the last couple of years, the work-from-home environment has grown significantly, and more and more businesses are now encouraging employees to work from home. This means employees can pretty much work from anywhere, allowing people to work from less expensive destinations. If you’ve been planning to travel, then you can choose the cheapest places to live and travel simultaneously.
While New York City rents dropped during the first Covid wave, its rent prices have been growing back up to the pre-pandemic rates. Apartment rent averages are growing at an exceptional rate. If you can work from home indefinitely, then you should choose a new place to live. There are states and cities with a lower cost of living that you can move to, and help you save more money out of your income.
According to ApartmentGuide, the average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $550 in Lawton, Oklahoma. It’s clearly unfair to compare Lawton and New York City, but the rent for the entire year in Lawton is $6,600 which is basically a month of rent in Manhattan.
So, based on this complication, we’ve built this guide of the cheapest places to live in 2022-2023.
Cheapest Places to Live in USA
1. Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton is not the suburb of the more expensive Oklahoma City, but it’s close enough so you can enjoy big city life. But who needs that when surrounded by the landscape of Southwest Oklahoma and Lake Lawtonka? People who love to be outdoors will love the area, which offers plenty of culture in the city.
- Population: 94,017
- Average monthly rent: $550
- State cost of living: $52,805
- Unemployment rate: 4.2
2. Terre Haute, Indiana
Terre Haute is another river town that you can choose to be in. It’s also called the “Crossroads of America.” The city is home to universities, and a young professional population mixes with the student population. Plus, you get an affordable living situation.
- Population: 60,673
- Average monthly rent: $557
- State cost of living: $52,038
- Unemployment rate: 4.2
3. Elyria, Ohio
If you want to save money, then Elyria, Ohio should be your choice. It’s a suburb of Cleveland, Elyria is located on the Black River. It’s a safe, friendly, and family-friendly option.
- Population: 53,821
- Average monthly rent: $582
- State cost of living: $52,012
- Unemployment rate: 5.6
4. Brownsville, Texas
Close to the Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville has to offer enjoyable warm weather and provides easy access to beaches and Mexico. Brownsville shares its border with Matamoros, Mexico, and is rich in history. The income level is lower in Brownsville but the city is cheaper to live in than Austin and Houston.
- Population: 182,271
- Average monthly rent: $585
- State cost of living: $53,201
- Unemployment rate: 7.0
5. Killeen Texas
Killeen is a town servicing Fort Hood, but it’s much more than a military town and offers a college and a museum for residents. Ranked as one of the best places to live in the state, Killeen is a family-friendly city in the heart of Texas.
- Population: 145,686
- Average monthly rent: $595
- State cost of living: $53,201
- Unemployment rate: 4.3
6. Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown was once famous during the steel days of America. It’s situated between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and served as a less-expensive version of both. While it offers a suburban feel, the downside is the higher unemployment rates. Fortunately, the unemployment rates don’t matter to remote employees.
- Population: 64,783
- Average monthly rent: $615
- State cost of living: $52,013
- Unemployment rate: 6.7
7. Henderson, Kentucky
Right next to the Ohio River, this former train town welcomed the likes of Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, and Franklin Roosevelt. Fortunately, Henderson residents still enjoy the quiet life. But, if you need a big city feel, you can visit the nearby Evansville. But, even then you won’t be able to get the NYC type big city feel.
- Population: 28,625
- Average monthly rent: $640
- State cost of living: $51,925
- Unemployment rate: 3.3
8. Springfield, Missouri
Right next to Fayetteville, Springfield is the home to both Ozarks and Mark Twain National Forest for residents to enjoy. The growing employment market in Springfield is drawing many families looking for a Midwestern lifestyle.
- Population: 167,051
- Average monthly rent: $637
- State cost of living: $53,654
- Unemployment rate: 3.3
9. Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport, as the name suggests, is a hub for tons of seaside attractions. You get cheap rental apartments, and the family-friendly environment is welcoming for all.
- Population: 71,676
- Average monthly rent: $637
- State cost of living: $48,567
- Unemployment rate: 5.5
10. Ashland, Ohio
If you love the vibe offered by small towns, then this Cleveland suburb provides all the mentality of a small town. You get a homely vibe and everything a small town has to offer.
- Population: 20,390
- Average monthly rent: $640
- State cost of living: $52,013
- Unemployment rate: 5.6
