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We hear many complaints about how expensive living in many U.S. cities is. But is that true? Of course, the answer is yes for some cities. However, many cities in America are not expensive places to live, making it possible to live big on a budget without sacrificing quality of life.
There are a few unique and incredible cities where you can escape the rat race. To compile this list of cities where your dollar goes further in the U.S., we focused on cities with a population of more than 50,000. Smaller towns don’t always have much to do, which can be a turn-off for some.
See if you agree that your paycheck will go a long way in the 12 cities on our list.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
You don’t need much to live comfortably in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michigan is one of the cheapest states in which to live. According to the census, the median income between 2018 and 2022 was $61,634, which equals over $5,100 each month. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Grand Rapids is $1,450 for an 887-square-foot space, so you’ll have plenty of cash to spend!
Lexington, Kentucky
The most affordable cities aren’t exactly the most well-known. Before this, I had only briefly heard of Lexington, which has a population of about 320,000 and a median income of $66,087. You can earn much less than this amount. The average rent in Lexington is $1,246, but you can easily find an apartment for under $1,000.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland does not get enough love. It’s an unrated city that is pretty affordable to live in. According to the same census, the median income for this city is $37,271. In some suburbs, household incomes over $2000,000 aren’t unheard of. The median rent in this incredible city is about $1,388. You can stetch your dollar in this city while enjoying what Cleveland offers.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Recently, North Carolina has gained a lot of traction and popularity. It’s one of the most moved-to states in the country for its affordability and beauty. I’ve even envisioned moving to North Carolina to start the next chapter of my life. Charlotte is a great place to stretch your dollar. The median income in this vibrant city is $74,070, which equals about $6,000 a month. This is great, considering the average rent in the city is $1,653. Rent is constantly changing and may be higher or lower next month.
Atlanta, Georgia
Like Charlotte, Atlanta has seen a lot of growth. In 2023, the Atlanta metro welcomed a little over 65,000 new residents. It’s a booming city filled with opportunities and things to do. In Atlanta, the median income was $77,655 between 2018 to 2022. While the average rent is nearing $2,000 in the city, the income makes up for it.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Who says living near a beach is always expensive? You can stretch your money while living in Virginia Beach, which has a population of about 455,000. So, what do you have to make in this city to thrive? To give you a glimpse, the median household income is $87,544. That is about $7,295. The median rent as of April 2024 is $1,626.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is a hidden gem. I love Oklahoma, although it doesn’t receive enough love. Tulsa is a great place to live if you want to escape the rat race and live comfortably. You don’t need much. The median household income in this city is $65,229. This might sound like a lot, but you don’t need to make that much to live here. For instance, the average rent as of April 2024 is $940.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo isn’t just a fun word to say but also an excellent and affordable place to live. This city has a population of about 73,000. It isn’t too big or too small. The median income for this city is a comfortable $48,649, and the average rent is $1,195. Still, you can find a lot cheaper places. You aren’t limited to renting, either. According to Zillow, the median value of a home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is $224,079.
Huntsville, Alabama
If you want to live where your dollar stretches further, don’t miss out on Huntsville, Alabama. It’s home to over 220,000 people. Huntsville is an affordable city in which to live. Although the median income is $67,874, you can get by with a lot less. The average rent in the city is $1,055. You can get a studio or a one-bedroom apartment for under $1,000.
Henderson, Nevada
Nevada is another underrated state. I’ve considered moving to Henderson to save money and try a different life. Henderson is home to over 300,000 people, is near Las Vegas, and has many job opportunities. The median household income in Henderson, Nevada, is $85,311, while the average rent is $1,676. It’s not as cheap as other spots on this list, but still affordable.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is a growing city. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and even the country. This charming North Carolina city is home to nearly half a million residents. The median income from 2018 to 2022 was almost $80,000, but you don’t need this much money to live. The median rent, for instance, is $1,609. Don’t let his number fool you; plenty of apartments are between $1,000 and $1,500.
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Last but not least is Jonesboro, Arkansas, with a population of about 80,000. This friendly city provides lots to do for families, and you don’t need to break the bank to afford a life in Jonesboro. The median income between 2018 to 2022 in Jonesboro was $51,124. This is about $4,200 a month. Median rent here is $950. It’s surprising if you pay anything above $1,200.
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