Cheapest, Safest Places to Live in the US: Finding an affordable and safe place to live in the USA is a top priority for many. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or someone looking to retire, it’s possible to find cities that balance low costs, safety, and excellent quality of life. Here’s a detailed guide to the 20 Cheapest, Safest Places To Live in the US to help you make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
1. Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Average Rent: $850/month
- Population: ~107,000
- Crime Rate: 1,750 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,000
- Why It’s Great: Green Bay offers a friendly atmosphere, a strong job market, and affordable housing. Its low crime rate makes it one of the safest cities in the Midwest.
2. Huntsville, Alabama
- Average Rent: $940/month
- Population: ~215,000
- Crime Rate: 3,090 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $29,500
- Why It’s Great: Known as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville has a growing economy, largely driven by aerospace and tech industries.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Average Rent: $850/month
- Population: ~263,000
- Crime Rate: 2,700 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,800
- Why It’s Great: With affordable housing and a family-friendly environment, Fort Wayne attracts residents looking for a mix of urban and suburban vibes.
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4. Omaha, Nebraska
- Average Rent: $920/month
- Population: ~486,000
- Crime Rate: 3,200 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $30,000
- Why It’s Great: Omaha’s vibrant arts and culture scene and steady job market make it a great choice for affordability and safety.
5. Fargo, North Dakota
- Average Rent: $840/month
- Population: ~125,000
- Crime Rate: 2,500 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,700
- Why It’s Great: Fargo is ideal for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
6. Des Moines, Iowa
- Average Rent: $900/month
- Population: ~216,000
- Crime Rate: 3,100 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $29,200
- Why It’s Great: Des Moines boasts affordable housing, good schools, and a strong job market.
7. Boise, Idaho
- Average Rent: $1,150/month
- Population: ~235,000
- Crime Rate: 1,850 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $31,500
- Why It’s Great: Known for its outdoor lifestyle, Boise offers safety and excellent quality of life.
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Average Rent: $910/month
- Population: ~293,000
- Crime Rate: 2,900 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $29,800
- Why It’s Great: Lincoln is a hub for education and has a very low unemployment rate.
9. Madison, Wisconsin
- Average Rent: $1,200/month
- Population: ~270,000
- Crime Rate: 2,200 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $32,000
- Why It’s Great: Madison combines cultural vibrancy with top-rated safety standards.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Average Rent: $1,400/month
- Population: ~480,000
- Crime Rate: 3,050 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $32,500
- Why It’s Great: Surrounded by the Rockies, this city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Average Rent: $1,350/month
- Population: ~467,000
- Crime Rate: 2,100 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $32,000
- Why It’s Great: With its booming tech industry and affordable cost of living, Raleigh continues to attract new residents.
12. Lexington, Kentucky
- Average Rent: $900/month
- Population: ~322,000
- Crime Rate: 2,400 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $29,000
- Why It’s Great: Lexington combines affordability with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
13. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Average Rent: $850/month
- Population: ~200,000
- Crime Rate: 2,600 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,600
- Why It’s Great: Sioux Falls offers high safety ratings and an expanding economy.
14. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Average Rent: $1,100/month
- Population: ~302,000
- Crime Rate: 2,300 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $31,000
- Why It’s Great: Pittsburgh is a great mix of historical charm and modern urban living.
15. Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Average Rent: $800/month
- Population: ~413,000
- Crime Rate: 3,500 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $27,500
- Why It’s Great: Its affordability makes Tulsa a strong contender for those on a budget.
16. Rochester, Minnesota
- Average Rent: $950/month
- Population: ~121,000
- Crime Rate: 1,800 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $30,500
- Why It’s Great: Home to the Mayo Clinic, it offers excellent healthcare access and safety.
17. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Average Rent: $1,000/month
- Population: ~201,000
- Crime Rate: 2,700 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $29,800
- Why It’s Great: A vibrant city with plenty of affordable housing.
18. Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Average Rent: $900/month
- Population: ~181,000
- Crime Rate: 3,600 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,800
- Why It’s Great: Scenic beauty paired with a growing job market.
19. Springfield, Missouri
- Average Rent: $810/month
- Population: ~170,000
- Crime Rate: 3,900 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $27,800
- Why It’s Great: Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods make it appealing.
20. Peoria, Illinois
- Average Rent: $850/month
- Population: ~113,000
- Crime Rate: 2,900 per 100,000 residents
- Annual Living Costs: $28,500
- Why It’s Great: Affordable rent and good public services make Peoria a great choice.
By choosing one of these 20 Cheapest, Safest Places To Live in the USA, you can enjoy a secure and affordable lifestyle. Whether you value outdoor recreation, a strong job market, or peaceful living, there’s a city here for everyone.
FAQ:
What factors were considered in this list?
This list evaluates rent, crime rates, population, living costs, and quality of life.
Are these cities suitable for families?
Yes, many cities on this list, such as Green Bay and Lincoln, have excellent schools and family-friendly environments.
Which city is the safest overall?
Rochester, Minnesota, and Boise, Idaho, stand out for their low crime rates.
