It doesn’t take a real estate expert to know that moving within the United States is an expensive task. Almost everywhere you turn, prices have increased astronomically in recent years, forcing many people to either stay put or move somewhere that can continue to accommodate their budget. Despite the unfortunate fact that many places are no longer affordable for a wide range of people, that doesn’t mean that every single city in every single U.S. state is impossible to move to without an exorbitant budget. Simply put, to find affordable spots, you need to do the proper research. Luckily, however, we’ve eliminated that step for you, and we’ve compiled the top 5 most cost-effective cities to move to in the United States. These cities are exactly what any budget-seeker needs when finding a new place to relocate. Interested in discovering the top five places we’ve chosen? Keep reading to find out!
Among cost-effective places to live, Green Bay ranks among the most affordable. The third most populated city in the state of Wisconsin, it sits at the head of Green Bay, which is where it gets its name from. A house in this city falls well below the national median — a great selling point. The average salary here sits at around $50,000, and only around 20% of people’s income is spent on living expenses. This ratio allows for a very reasonable cost of living in proportion to the number of money people earn. Plus, if you’re a football fan, Green Bay just might be the perfect place for you, as the Packers are the pride of the city! You’ll have no shortage of fun things to explore, from football games to ice skating to kayaking to fine dining. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s likely this Midwest city can fit the bill.
Located on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark mountains, Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and provides another affordable option for its residents. Although taxes are a bit higher here, it is offset by the fact that the cost of living is considerably lower than in most places in the country. The average rent here sits at about $750, and the median home price is around $150,000. T-Town, as its residents lovingly call it, is full of arts and entertainment, as well as fun outdoor attractions such as the Tulsa Zoo and the Tulsa Botanical Garden.
Next on our list is Memphis, a city in Tennessee located on the Mississippi River. You may be surprised to see it on this list, as Memphis is a city that draws people from near and far, thanks to its notorious presence in the history of music from blues to soul to rock. Despite the incredible draw that this city has on countless people, it has another perk that you may not have known — a very affordable cost of living. The average rent here is $760, and despite the low costs, three Fortune 500 companies have headquarters here, meaning the economy is strong. Also, despite the high sales tax in Memphis, there is no state income tax, which is a great perk.
With a median home price of around $90,000 and a median rent right around $800, Akron draws in more people than the number of people who leave per year. As a whole, Ohio has ranked at number four in United States growth states, so it’s no surprise that Akron continues to grow each year. Even the cost of healthcare is considerably more affordable than in many other places in the country, around 16% below the national average. With a robust job market and affordable prices across the board, this Midwest city has some truly undeniable perks for prospective residents.
The final city featured on our list, Wichita Falls sits in northern Texas and has a median rent of around $820 and an average home value of $105,000. 57 percent of people own their homes, which is a figure that gives a great picture of the economic situation here. Plus, if you’ve never heard of this city, that’s okay — rest assured that there are plenty of interesting things to find and explore. Wichita Falls is the home to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, and it also boasts “the world’s littlest skyscraper,” the Newby-McMahon Building. Additionally, there are many attractions for nature lovers, from parks to trails.
These U.S. cities, among many others, offer affordable options for movers who are looking for a new location but don’t want to break the bank. With these cities, you can trust that you will be able to find a new home that fits into your budget, rather than trying to formulate a budget to work around a high cost of living. Are you ready for your move? If you’re looking to relocate and need a reliable, affordable moving company to assist you, look no further. E.E. Ward is your go-to Columbus local mover, with reasonable rates and the highest quality services. When you need a moving company in Columbus, we’ve got you covered. To find out more about what we can do for you, request a free quote today!