Cheapest places to live in America
Posted by Forest in General Articles, Saving Money & Finances
Finding the cheapest place to live in America is not exactly cut and dry. There are many factors involved. Therefore, in this article we are going to look into some of these factors and the different relationships they create.
If you are looking to move and are serious about living in a frugal way, then it’s a great idea to look deeply into the cost of living as well as the price of real estate.
One way the US Department of Labor measures cost of living is by what’s called CPI. The USA CPI (The United States Consumer Price Index), isn’t a complete cost of living index; rather, it helps to gather many details such as job rates and wages averages. I couldn’t find out which state the US government deemed the cheapest. Thus I was forced to do some of my own research.
Which places in the US has the highest minimum wage? (source wikipedia)
San Francisco – $9.36
Washington – $8.07
California – $8.00
Massachusetts – $8.00
Some of these states have lower wages for service jobs. However, considering most states have lower wages starting at around $5, these are pretty good. Keep in mind, however, that other costs of living may be much higher in the four states mentioned above.
| Market | Median home price* |
| Minot, N.D. | $132,300 |
| Killen, Texas | $140,310 |
| Arlington, Texas | $140,975 |
| Grayling, Mich. | $144,250 |
| Topeka, Kan. | $148,050 |
| Canton, Ohio | $148,333 |
| Tulsa, Okla. | $148,575 |
| Billings, Mont. | $150,141 |
| Fort Worth, Texas | $151,250 |
| Cadillac, Mich. | $151,530 |
| *All prices for 2,200 sq-ft., 4 br, 2 1/2 bath homes; Source: Coldwell Banker’s Home Price Comparison Inde | |
Source: http://realestate.msn.com/buying/article
_busweek.aspx?cp-documentid=1014352
North Dakota is the cheapest place to purchase a house right now. But they also have a minimum wage of $6.55 (from July 24th 2008). If you are in the market for a minimum wage job, it may not be the best place to buy, but if you are able to relocate with your current job (bloggers like me 
) then it could be a great place to investigate further.
If you are looking to rent….
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23172597/
1. Wichita, Kansas. – Here you can get a 600-square-ft, one-bedroom with a big kitchen and full-size washer and dryer for $470. Golf and country club fees are included. You can also join the fitness center and tanning parlor for a small cost.
2. Oklahoma City. – Here you’ll get a 900 square-ft home with a gym any fitness die-hard would kill for, all for $490 a month.
3. Tulsa, Oklahoma. – You can live in a brand-new, 600-square-ft, one-bedroom near a pond filled with ducks for $520 a month. The apartment is right next door to several golf and country clubs.
4. Knoxville, Tennessee. -Here you get a one bedroom hidden in the woods that comes with a balcony, a nearby pool, a tennis court and playground for $560 a month.
5. Dayton, Ohio. – You get a 500-square-ft, one-bedroom on the lake, with your own parking space, for $570 a month. Best of all, you can use a portion of your monthly rent toward a down payment if you decide to buy.
Of all these places, Ohio has the highest minimum wage at $7/hour. I am sure that you can get much cheaper houses to rent than the luxurious places priced here.
Price of White Bread and Beer
For many, these two commodities are seen as essentials (I would not recomend Beer as an essential BTW!) Looking at the prices, I found the following:
Price of White bread: (Keep in mind that due to the current price of oil, combined with the food crisis, the prices here are probably lower than today’s prices).
| Region | February 1999 | February 2000 |
| Northeast | $1.044 | $1.101 |
| Midwest | $0.889 | $0.896 |
| South | $0.774 | $0.822 |
| West | $0.900 | $0.964 |
Source: https://www.aibonline.org/resources/statistics/whitebread.html
Price of Beer:
According to Pint Price, which gathers data from users, here are a bunch of places to get a beer for less than $2:
Allentown, Pa $1.25 USD
Antigo, Wi $1.25 USD
Athens, OH $1.85 USD
Elmira , NY $1.75 USD
Fort, Tx $1.99 USD
Islip $1 USD
Lock Haven Pa. $1.75 USD
Mt. Vernon, IL. $1.5 USD
Pontiac,MI $1 USD
Shanghai $1.57 USD
Sunnyvale $1.52 USD
Tamaqua $1.75 USD
Texarkana,Ar $1.5 USD
Waterford, MI $1.55 USD
Wenona, IL $1 USD
Wheeling, WV $1.25 USD
Lowest taxes
One of the main factor in looking for the least expensive place to live is tax. Strangely, the US tax laws are all over the place. There are a few places where you can get away with comparatively paying very little tax.
It’s very hard to sort all the taxes yourself and work out exactly what state has the lowest overall taxes. In this case, we can look at Tax Burden.
- Tax Burden is a measure of the taxes paid in a state relative to another constant factor, such as total personal income, for example. www.governing.com/gpp/2003/gp3gloss.htm
The five states with the lowest tax burden as a percent of income are:
(measured as a % of earnings. Source: http://www.retirementliving.com/RLtaxes.html)
Alaska (6.6%)
New Hampshire (8.0%)
Tennessee (8.5%)
Delaware (8.8%)
Alabama (8.8%)
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax personal income.
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon, do not collect sales taxes.
Now you know at least one reason why New Hampshire has “Live FREE or Die” on it’s license plate!!
Conclusion:
There are so many more factors that could have been looked at, but hopeully you saw this as a useful overview. Once you establish what you need to relocate for (work, retirement, frugality etc etc) you can easily start gathering data and work out the state with lowest cost of living for your personal circumstances.
Just remember living in a frugal way can be achieved in any state if you are determined and able to keep the right frame of mind.
If you think I have mis-interperated or overlooked anything important, please let me know.
Thanks for reading If you liked it, please give me a Digg, Stumble, Reddit or anything else using the social icons below.
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essence
10. Jul, 2008
Nice article, but I must say that Dayton is the worst place on the planet. That could account for it’s frugality. I pity anyone having to live in that awful place.
Forest
31. Mar, 2009
No problem, thanks very much. It’s not conclusive but hopefully gives people an idea.
Forest
10. Jul, 2008
Hey Essence,
Thanks for letting us know
I definitely have not had a chance to go to all of these places.
I do know that I have gotten some of the cheapest beer ever in vermont! Sadly it was bad beer!
MolassesBrain
10. Jul, 2008
“…but if you are able to relocate in your current job (blogger like me
)…”
Yeah… rub it in. The smilie was a nice touch, douchebag.
Bryan Clark
10. Jul, 2008
Another one on Pop URLs… Good job!
Bryan Clarks last blog post..Quick Links – How To Build Links FAST!
Forest
10. Jul, 2008
Hey Molasses Brain…… never meant to sound pompass! Was just trying to keep a good humored run to the post….. guess it never worked with you!!
As a blogger I don’t make a lot of money (hence the frugal blog) so moving to a cheap state would not be a bad idea for me!!
@Bryan, Yeah I noticed….. I am suprised at home much traffic I am getting but still nothing from Google!
lost in confusion
31. Mar, 2010
frugal is my middle name broski.. just got out the army and now poor as fuck trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life??? so whats this whole deal about making money blogging?? you could hook it up with some explanation as to how to go about doing that?? thanks man.
Forest
11. Apr, 2010
Hey Lost In Confusion
I hear ya… I’m not a rich guy myself these days but am getting by now.
Making money online is really like any other business but with the added benefit of very little risk to try it out…. If you think you could be a real world entrepeneaur then chances are you could make a little cash online with a business of some sort.
Email me forest.parks@gmail.com if you want a little more info.
Annie Binns
10. Jul, 2008
Minot could GIVE AWAY a house and I still would not live there.
Once the kids are done with school, I will be looking for a cheaper place to live. I’ve been in Denver for 20+ years, but I know I could seriously reduce my cost of living somewhere else.
Annie Binnss last blog post..From Tragedy to Triumph – A Review
i lasered my pubes
10. Jul, 2008
Surely Alabama should be the cheapest!
your conclusion sucked, it said nothing, how about a conclusion with figures?
Forest
10. Jul, 2008
Hey Mr Pubes,
Thanks for the diplomatic criticism
, but seriously I am glad that people speak up when they don’t like something and I will put it on my to do list to research a more figure based conclusion.
Thanks for visiting….. as you are very honest and this is a new site, anything else that grinds against your grain?
Forest
10. Jul, 2008
Hey Annie,
Greta to have you swing by. I have never been to Denver either. The states is just too darn big to visit everywhere!!
Do you have any idea where you may move to?
SillySB
10. Jul, 2008
If you are looking for a home to buy or rent Arizona is the place to go! There have been so many forclosures that all of those empty houses (A LOT) are selling for next to nothing now. I recently found a home that was over 2000 sq ft selling for $70,000.00, Towns like Florence, Queen Creek, Pinal County, Coolidge, Maricopa, etc., I have found to have the best bang for your buck in the housing market.
Danny
11. Jul, 2008
Of course Dayton sucks…it’s in Ohio…
Dannys last blog post..TEST:Pleased to Meet You, Hope You Guess my Name
Forest
11. Jul, 2008
@Danny, now now let’s not be state-ist
Coral
12. Jul, 2008
Alaska doesn’t have state sales tax, but many cities and boroughs have their own sales taxes. The lack of state income tax certainly doesn’t make Alaska cheap. Where I’m currently located a 1-bedroom apartment rents from 700-1200 dollars a month. Also we have the highest gas prices in the nation at the moment and while many Alaskans have short commutes that does raise food prices quite a bit. It’s not unusual to buy a $4 loaf of bread or $4.50 gallon of milk. In some isolated parts of the state those prices are doubled. There’s no way that Alaska would be considered a cheap place to live.
I think cost of living calculators that combine many factors are the way to go. The additional info may help, but I think most of the time a lower wage in a cheaper area goes further than a higher wage in an expensive area.
Forest
12. Jul, 2008
A Coral, It’s strange that when I was doing my research I kept coming across little bits of info saying how cheap Alaska was but I have always heard quite the opposite. I did not know that individual areas could have sales tax but I guess even if they didn’t, rising oil prices will mean that goods are going to go up and up.
I have always wanted to visit Alaska… I am very interested in sating in one of the towns that get almost 24 hour darkness…. just to see how I fare for a few days!!!
francetales.com
15. Jul, 2008
While articles like this can be fun to read and consider, many of us have other considerations to be thought of when comtemplating a move. Many of these places may be cheap to live but if culturally they are void would I want to committ suicide after 1 month? Would I be safe? Would I want to stay long term? Would any of my friends want to come visit me? I got sick of the price of living in the Bay Area in CA and we tried Philadelphia, but hated it. Many people love it but we hated it. It taught us that there is always a way to make it in the bigger cities so trying for the ones less traveled is not usually worth it for us. To each their own though.
francetales.coms last blog post..Montcuq, France
Forest
15. Jul, 2008
Hey FranceTales, thanks for stopping by.
I totally agree you always have to try and make sure that you get to know an area a little before moving. I grew up in an area of London, England and hated it. So when I was old enough to move away I moved away from that area.
Then I decided it was time to buy. My old area was one of the only affordable (barely) places for me so I purchased a flat there believing it may have changed…… well, I still hated it and eventually managed to sell up and get out again!
TJP
17. Jul, 2008
Please oh please tell me where in Wichita I can find a 600-square foot one-bedroom with a huge kitchen and full-size washer and dryer for only $470. Because I have to move there and it is looking pretty dismal!
Forest
17. Jul, 2008
Hey TJP, I have never actually been Wichita but was looking around for rentals and found this site: http://www.wichitarentals.net/properties.php?bed=2&bath=1.5&loc=All&image.x=43&image.y=10&image=Submit and the prices look pretty decent to me.
But I am from originally from England so almost any price looks amazing to me
Max
17. Jul, 2008
Interesting – because that is the same thing I found out last Thursday.
Max
31. Jul, 2008
Thanks for this post!
Forest
31. Jul, 2008
No problem max.
Lori Kite Smith
05. Aug, 2008
Got any ideas where a 50 year old can live on her ss disabiliy check at approx $840.00 per month? I live in Florida and I don’t care anymore where the H**L I end up. I have to find a place to live by the end of Aug. I own my car, a bunch of personal stuff, but no real furniture. However, I do have an air mattress and furniture isn’t all that important right away. The boutique GW (Goodwill) and I are great friends. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I do have a cat and in Florida apparently that’s worse than not being a Republican.I have no dependents, husbands etc. Just me and the cat. I really liked your info; at least it felt like somebody out there actually (dare I say it?) is nice . Anyway, I’m not as depressed as I was after all the other sites I’ve looked at. I realize that I am basically screwed. But hey, I figure you can’t say anything that could make me feel any worse. Thanks
John Gialloreto
16. Jun, 2010
Hi Lori – Its a challenge to live alone. A kitty is a nice cuddle-buddy. Im a SWM, 50, Glasses, Blue-eyes.No dependents who LEFT the Expense of North Lake County ,IL 7 years ago and moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin. What a difference from $750 a month + $300 in Gas, Water,Elec, Internet, Car Insurance to turning RENT Down to 300-400 a month still mowing and snowblowing, But SAVING$$$$,too.
Burning a $1000 a month for years and never getting anywhere with it. IM still a 2nd Shifter building DROIDS for Motorola and have basically relied upon contract work to survive. I discharge over $40,000 in Credit Card Debt August of 2005 and Im starting over again. There are a striking number of people who receive Disability SSDI, Food Stamps , etc. in the City of Kenosha becuz I guess they just gave up. But, I’d be happy to show you $2.63/gallon Gas prices, The Goodwill of Kenosha(Booming) The Salvation Army and the Lake Front. If you can put up with the Change of Season’s may be moving to Kenosha, just over the Illinois border, will help you get away from Exotic plush equatorial lifestyle out-of-reach for most of us and find a friend in Kenosha to live with. Can you STAY alone the rest of your life? Are you loooking for a roommate? The RENT.COM website provides the criteria you need to select what’s affordable before dedicating to a relocation. What do you care? Your income is fixed anyway, right? Are you hard to live with? Do yourun your own day or need help? Are you a mope? TTD or PPD? I’d like to offer some help with these critical decisions you need to think about. If Kenosha can pull it all together for ‘ya then maybe all of this blog(whatever) was worth it.
E-mail nights after work and maybe we’ll chat sum. John G.
Forest
16. Jun, 2010
Hey John, thanks for the first hand info…. I have never heard of Kenosha but it sounds affordable. I guess if so many people have given up people who don’t depend on income to survive or can get a basic job have a good chance of flourishing.
Thanks.
Forest
05. Aug, 2008
Hey Lori,
Thanks so much for your comment.
I spent a lot of time looking into this post and although I could have researched more I did not want to overload with info.
Obviously my info was pooled from the web, so I can’t verify that it is all as true as I would like but it should be a rough guide.
I actually live in Montreal with my partner on about $800 a month for myself. I do however live in a hared house (shared bathroom and kitchen) and walk everywhere, I don’t have a car. Gas is sooo expensive right now.
I have it on my list of things to do this week to look into a specific cheap place in the states and write a post about it.
Although I would never be able to completely verify my info without actually living in a place I will try and see if I can work out a place that is livable for about $840 a month.
Should be a good case study for my website.
I really really hope you find somewhere. I don’t think you are screwed. If I can do it in expensive Montreal then there has to be somewhere in the states, as in my experience it’s cheaper than Canada (Quebec anyway) in many respects.
Please please do let me know how you get along and what you find out. I will try and do my research and post on Thursday or Friday.
…… From what I have heard ANYWHERE will be cheaper than Florida.
As for the kittie, I think it’s worth looking for as many coupons as possible and finding free samples too. May only save you a couple of dollars here ad there but it all adds up!
Lori Kite Smith
05. Aug, 2008
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. If it’s ok by you, I think I’ll keep you in my pocket (metephorically speaking that is) as if you were by my side giving me courage and strength. I will let you know what happens.
Sincerely,
Lori
Forest
09. Aug, 2008
Hi Lori…. just letting you know I published a new article that may interest you…. http://frugalzeitgeist.com/cheapest-places-to-live-in-america-topeka-ks-for-under-840-a-month/
I’d love to have your input. Thanks.
Max
11. Nov, 2008
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Judy
18. Jan, 2009
I believe you have incorrect information on Tennessee.
Tennessee does NOT have personal income tax. You might want to check you resources.
Forest
19. Jan, 2009
Hi Judy,
Thanks for the info… My sources are listed I believe and they came from around the web so I am sure some of the info cannot be taken 100% but the article was just trying to help give a general idea of where could be cheapest for people to live.
Derrick
31. Jan, 2009
Hey, me and my wife lost our job were living day to day with a family of seven total. Where is the cheapest place to live in america.
Forest
01. Feb, 2009
Hey Derrick,
I’m really sorry to hear this
I think it’s hard to say what place is exactly the cheapest.. I have been there with the day to day thing and I know how hard it is (plus I don’t have kids) but people stick through things. I personally would just stick close to friends and family.
Statistically somewhere in the midwest would be cheapest: I wrote this article about Topeka http://frugalzeitgeist.com/cheapest-places-to-live-in-america-topeka-ks-for-under-840-a-month/
Lauren
20. Feb, 2009
I agree with the first comment, Dayton, Ohio kinda sucks. Might it be a cheap place to live? Yes. But recently the unemployment rate has skyrocketed because of the large companies shutting down and it will be difficult getting a job if you choose to relocate. My husband and I are personally waiting for a way outta here. Rent and housing is reasonable but it’s cold here and there isn’t much to do unless you like to go to bars and clubs. There are parks and lakes to visit but of course, only during warm months which is half the year. One good thing about Ohio is that you get to experience the extremes of all seasons which can be a nice change when the time comes.
Forest
22. Feb, 2009
Hey Lauren, thanks for your comment.
The great thing about the comments on this post is getting a real set of opinions…. I wish I could have visited all these places myself before posting
Vickey
11. Mar, 2009
You might want to check out New Mexico. It is full of people on low income and the snowbirds.
ginny
27. Mar, 2009
i am kind of romantically thinking of moving to england – great old houses, green areas, all that luvly talk, etc. but realistically i know its out of the question. in your opinion is there an area, or town, in the usa that puts you in mind of england? i prob am talking about the lancaster area…thanks, ginny
Forest
27. Mar, 2009
Oh that’s a tough one…. I am from London, England and in some ways that paralleled with Boston, which is in no means a cheap place to live…. The small country feel is unique to England I think!!!
Chris
04. Jun, 2010
Hi Ginny,
I am English too. I live in Lockport, Illinois. In many ways it reminds me of a West Yorkshire town. There is an old canal running through the town and many of the old houses, (yes there are a lot), are built from from dolomite or yellow limestone. I like it here but after 28 years I sometimes think about returning to England. I probably never shall but the thought has crossed my mind. I have spoken to a few people back home and they all advise me to stay here so perhaps they know something I don’t?
Forest
06. Jun, 2010
Hey Chris,
I lived in Montreal and there was the odd bar that reminded me of UK but as a whole the city was very different….. Cairo….. not much here reminds me of England at all!!
Some parts of Vermont reminded me of East England / Wales.
Marc
16. Jun, 2010
The taxes in England are MUCH higher than anyplace in the US. That’s why most in the entertainment and professional sports world with truly obscene incomes decide to live abroad (not in the UK).
Forest
16. Jun, 2010
As a small business owner I actually find UK taxes reasonable but i agree as a high earning celeb it would be extremely high compared to many other countries.
Thanks for stopping bye.
Nikkita
31. Mar, 2009
This really answered alot of my questions. I was thinking of relocating and you summed up every aspect. Thanks again so much. Thumbs up!!!
Nikkita
31. Mar, 2009
I went back to read some of the other posts, and cam across Lori. I was actually headed to Florida it appears cheaper than New Jersey (where I live now). Is this a good move or not? I have 1 child, and I can take my job with me, so to speak.
Forest
31. Mar, 2009
I actually don’t know the answer to this…. I hope some of the other commenters with actual living experience can chime in?
Patty
03. Apr, 2009
Washington State is not the Cheapest state to live in anymore these states are AK, Tn, AL, SD, ID, KY, so if you want to move out of Washington State Try these states. You will have better luck!!
Forest
03. Apr, 2009
Thanks for the update Patty.
George
17. Apr, 2009
The best place to live in is New York, In New York they have to best education school system along with universities and colleges, They do pay good and the people are nice and friendly. I am going to New York this july and live in there
Forest
21. Apr, 2009
New York is expensive… but if you can get a higher paying job there then it can work out.
Carol
18. Jun, 2009
I’m in the same boat as Lori (and the same age), but live in Maryland. So far I’ve been able to keep my house, but it looks like my run is coming to an end. I have a dog and since it’s just me and the pooch, I’m not willing to give him up. Our pets are needed by the disabled as we are often stuck at home. They provide good company and actually help with some health issues.
My question – is there any kind of network that you are aware of that connects people on a disability income? Forums or messaage boards maybe? We could provide moral support for each other, and there could be a service for matching up those looking for roommates either because they are sick of living alone (no pun intended) or want to cut costs while riding out the economy.
It seems that there should be something like this out there, but I haven’t been able to find it.
Thanks.
Forest
22. Jun, 2009
I’m very sorry I don’t know of a place like that…. However it is an awesome idea and you could possibly look to start one yourself if you have the time.
Michelle
20. Jun, 2010
Carol,
I’m in the same boat as you and Lori.
I just started a blog (only 1 entry so far) that asks the same questions you did.
Us poor, disabled folks need to stick together and help eachother out cause for many of us, no one else will.
Michelle´s last blog ..Let’s join together and figure out a solution
Kevin M
18. Jun, 2009
I found Texas to be very reasonable I had a PULTE priemere home built for 188000
The taxes were 4400 every thing else was inexpensive beer in a resturant was between 2.50 and 3.00 mexican food was good and cheap. people were friendly and didnt beep the horn if you didnt jump at a light. there is no state tax but off the book jobs dont exist. Car insurance was half the price of ny and electric was less than NY. The schools were lousy They are backwards on most things and cant measure up to ny in any way shape or form The cops are stupiod and liars I watched them arrest a kid for not drinking and them saying he was drunk I know I saw the kid get out of my car after him well any way Im going off they raise the revenue by arresting innocent people and bogus traffic tickets like speeding when you arent. How ever if you can put up with that stuff its not a bad place
Forest
22. Jun, 2009
Ive never been to Texas and the things you witnessed with the cops sucks…. However not all officers of the law are bad and I am sure it’s the same anywhere you go.
Czech n Irish Texan
04. Jun, 2010
Texas is a fantastic country, yes a country – not a state. you should visit
most everyone is friendly & accepting. i know, or have met several people who are from England who absolutely love it. True, there are some backwards police – but isn’t that the case everywhere? Some of the school systems are not that great, but there are plenty of private schools and most districts allow transfers to other public schools, if you’d like. I really enjoy traveling, but Texas keeps my heart. There is no place like it.
Cameron
18. Jun, 2009
Of course, the rent is cheapest in those states and towns, they’re in the area of TORNADO ALLEY!!!
Forest
22. Jun, 2009
Good point… I bet insurance is sky high too!
Regina Todd
18. Jun, 2009
I would not go to Knoxville Tennessee to live EVER.
March of 2006 was the last time I saw my son Edwin Joe Todd, Jr. alive. I came to Knoxville Tennessee that month from Richton Park , Illinois to visit him. The next month, April 17, was his birthday. He turned 23. I was so proud because in my mind was I have a 23 year old, a 21 year old, a 14 ½ year old and a 10 year old. I felt no one was more blessed and proud than I. 3 boys and 1 girl. Then it happened…
About 3:45 AM the morning of April 27, 2006, 10 days after his birthday, my phone rang. The caller on the other end identified himself as Dr. ???? (can’t remember his name) at a hospital in Knoxville Tennessee asking for the mother of Shaq. We, (the family) called him J.R., because he was a Junior and his friends called him Shaq because he loved basketball. When I identified myself as her, the doctor said, I have bad news for you, Shaq has just been KILLED.
According to Investigator Ron Flores of the Knoxville police department, JR was at a college party at the Old Laguana in Knoxville when an altercation broke out between a friend of his and some other guys. Investigator Flores said my son JR, took the bullet for his friend JT. I don’t know JT.
April 27, 2006 has been 3 years since this happened. Now, this is considered a COLD CASE. I was told by someone that the person that pulled the trigger was a black male with dread locks. That person and his brother has since left Knoxville, cut his hair and moved to the Atlanta Georgia area.
NEVER WOULD I GO THERE TO LIVE.
Forest
22. Jun, 2009
I am very sorry to hear such a sad story.
Sadly every city has it’s bad apples and it’s something that we have to be constantly aware of in our daily lives… again I am very sorry for your loss.
FREEDOM FOX
18. Jun, 2009
TO THE PUBLISHER:i appreciate your advice and comments…however they are just not exact! perhaps you didnt get all of the footwork done
and just had to write something, i dont know.i on the other hand have
traveled all over the states and have better info than you.the cheapest
and best places to live are:OKLAHOMA…ARKANSA…LOUISIANA…ALABAMA….just to name a
few. you can still buy a 2story home with over 2000sq ft…pool…barns
pond…acreage…out buildings…some have 2 homes on them or have
rental units on for way under $150,000.we are talking about nice places
all remodeled..not trashy places.in arkansa…you are going to end up
not paying any property taxes if you are a senior…you are always going to get some type of tax credit. in oklahoma…i have seen places
where the propery tax was as low as $70.year.this is where the people
should look!
Forest
22. Jun, 2009
Hey Freedom Fox,
This post was just a general guide using info I gathered from the net. The thing I love about blogs is the comments you receive on a post and I am very grateful for your added knowlede.
Amylee
22. Jun, 2009
As far as housing goes, because of the huge numbers of foreclosures in the area, Queen Creek, & Florence Arizona has extremely cheap housing. I have seen very nice newer homes that are over 2000sqft on the market for less than $70,000.
Plus you are fairly close to the bigger cities, such as Mesa, Tempe, and Gilbert.
Aviva
23. Jun, 2009
This post is for Lori Kite Smith and Forest. Hi Lori, I just want you to know I am in your same exact boat. I am currently living in St. Louis (don’t go here) I had to come back here, but everyone said that St. Louis would be a much lower cost of living that where I was which was Des Moines/Kent Washington. NOT TRUE. First off, the rents are the same unless you live right downtown where the crime is worst than Washington D.C. There is virtually no industry here left and largest employer in the state of misery is a hospital (bjc). This is not an accident. The area is a health hazard with high humidity and poor air quality. The taxes are through the roof with personal and state and three tiers for sales (food, alcohol and everything else) Seattle was cheaper. I could also get jobs easier, the air quality was great and the beaches made it easier to get out to excersize. I hope to go back. A lot of seniors living on fixed are staying month to month in motels there where everything is included. But watch out for the meth makers. Wish you could email me (I have a cat too) and we could get together.
Forest
16. Jun, 2010
Seattle was cheaper!! Wow, that is the first time I have heard that. That is why it’s so important to get real world comments from people after a researched article.
It’s hard to judge how nice a place actually is to live without knowing people there.
Aviva
23. Jun, 2009
I forgot about my youtube account, you can send a message through the account.
Herwin
01. Jul, 2009
phoenix,AZ is also aint bad you can rent there houses for $349 a month
Herwin
01. Jul, 2009
and btw if ur with someone how much would be ur budget per month. no car just going to school.
TMiller
04. Jul, 2009
For tax purposes, Is it better for me to have an address in USA when I live in the Caribbean ? Should I file as an expatriate? If you don’t know the answer, please advise where to get it. Tnx.
Pamela
04. Jul, 2009
I bought a cute little 4-1/2 bed, 2 bath turn-of-the-century cottage here (in Omaha) for less than $80K 4 years ago, but I can’t find a job.
Thankfully, I paid cold cash for it –so there’s no mortgage– but I’m wondering how long I can hold out w/o needing major maintenance with no job to pay for it.
Also, the property taxes are OUTRAAAAAAAGEOUS!!!
Racism rages here, too, which complicates finding meaningful work and decent pay. For this reason, I’d never urge anyone of color to come here. I guess there are more factors than affordability to be considered when you decide to up and move your entire life to a new place.
The social/cultural scene leaves a lot to be desired too. I mean, not that I’m a social butterfly by any stretch, but I like dressing up and attending the symphony occasionally. And, I’m so tired of seeing everyone in jeans everyday, everywhere I go I may barf blue indigo any day now. Don’t get me wrong, Omaha is my hometown, but I’m beginning to miss Washington, DC– where I lived for 30 years before returning here– more and more everyday.
I think I finally understand the meaning of “you can’t go home again.”
Forest
15. Jul, 2009
This subject is getting some awesome comments and I can’t thank everyone enough for contributing…… So in the next week or so I will be opening up a forum on this blog and making this a subject. I hope you all go over and continue this discussion.
Thanks so much.
Forest.
Forest
27. Jul, 2009
Hey Everyone… This conversation is getting busy so I have opened up a thread in our brand new forums… Please do come and contribute.
http://frugalzeitgeist.com/forum/discussion/3/cheapest-places-to-live/#Item_1
Nora
28. Jul, 2009
I live in Texas and was born and raised here. Very conservative, bible thumping state. As hot as hades!!! Yes I believe real estate here is better than most states, but I’m sick and tired of the heat. I have to run my errands before noon or else the steering wheel to my car almost burns my hands when I get in it. I’m ready for cooler climate and thank you for the information. It gave me some insight as to where I could go to escape the heat. (Yes, most of the cops are corrupt here). I would love to live somewhere in NY (not the city…too expensive) or CA as I am too liberal for my native state.
Pam
01. Aug, 2009
I am in the process of looking for a new place to live. We are currently in TX and not liking it. The property taxes are high, the yards are so small. And if you are not a Christian, life is not fun here. There are many things to do, places to go, but I am liberal leaning and non-Christian, which makes it almost impossible to make friends out here.
I have been looking into Reno and Las Vegas, but would love feedback/more information about those places. I am a single mom with three children, the oldest being 11. I am not into gambling and I homeschool. Does anyone have info on those areas or another area that is affordable and family friendly?
Thanks,
Tim Tio
02. Aug, 2009
Hi Good Americans
I live in Singapore where Real Estate is becoming more like a burden than a roof over the head.
We are reaching a stage where an ordinary condominium unit of 1100 sq.ft. is becoming a luxurious home for the millionaire, condo routinely cost about USD600,000 (suburb) each unit going up to more than USD1,600,000 (if it is located in Orchard Road, tourist belt).
Even modest and mandane Public Housing (government subsidized) build by our Housing and Development Board (HDB) of about 900 sq.ft. can easily cost more than USD120,000.
To know how important Real Estate business is just flip throught The Straits Times the locally printed newspaper almost every page carries large advertisements of Condo developments for Sale. Mind you our Straits Times has about 60+ pages. My reason writing this note is to tell you guys consider yourself lucky that housing is still so affordable in US.
marcia
02. Aug, 2009
I live in Niagara Falls, NY and housing is very cheap as is rent. The job market is so-so, a lot of medical jobs and hotel jobs. I think you could find a job here. This is a tourist area so some jobs can be seasonal. I think it is very hard to live on any type of set income and some times you have to have a room mate or two. This is a great site for anyone who needs help with housing or money issues.
Forest
04. Aug, 2009
Hey Everyone, Just before I answer the last few questions again, I’ll remind you of the forum post to discuss this….
http://frugalzeitgeist.com/forum/discussion/3/cheapest-places-to-live/#Item_1
@Nora, I am actually moving to Cairo for two years from tomorrow… Sounds a lot like Texas!! I hear there are some great reasonably priced places around the New York area and you can even go upper state too.
@Pam… I don’t know much but maybe go open a thead on our forum and some people may answer…. I understand the liberal POV… as I am very liberal myself. Much of my time has been spent in Vermont which is nice but def not the cheapest.
@Tim, oh deal!!! That is outrageous prices for Singapore.
@Marcia, I have heard Niagra is a pretty good place to live…. Better on the US side too… Although I am partial for Canada having spent two years there myself
sherry
07. Aug, 2009
hi everybody , i am libyan and i am going to study english langauge in usa in next months .thank you very much for this article i have been looking alot about the cheapest cities in USA ,i am thinling of philadilphia and wichita and i have amonth allowance $1700 for rent and all living expenses so i need your opinion as american living there,, is 1700 for couple with no children sufficent rate and what is the average of american people income monthly? h hope you answer me.
Deb
08. Aug, 2009
I am a non-driver/single parent and on disability looking to relocate somewhere more affordable but due need to find a job. I have Degenerative Bone Disease with Arthritis and is had become difficult mobily. I have no supports in our current location (in the Plains) and people are not open to new persons, even though we been here 4 years. We want to move before the weather here hits and need a locale to go. I heard good things about NY State but need reliable transit and heard it was expensive. Prefer to be somewhere with not alot of precipitation but checked out some possibles and the services are not there. Any ideas as to what to do and where to go would be appreciated.
I think it is a good idea for persons in the same boat to give each other support.
Thanks.
Charles
19. Aug, 2009
i am looking to relocate my family and I to the mountains. Any from the negative influx of the nearby cities. I thought of going from PA to perhaps Washington state or Oregan. I would love to live in a town much like the town depicted in the move “Dante’s Peak”. Something to that aspect. My wife is a US Postal Employee so she would just have to transfer. If anyone has any suggestions I would gladdly take them. Please email me and let me know. However, give a clear “Subject” to the email or I will think its spam. I have had too problems with spam.
Thanks
Forest
25. Aug, 2009
Hi Sherry,
I never earned in USA but I would say 1700 for me a month is enough, or it would be for me but I live very frugally. I am not sure how easy it would be as a couple. Sorry I could not help more, maybe some other commenter’s here can?
Hi Deb,
I spent most of my time in USA in Vermont, next to NY State and it was quite expensive on transport…. The problem with trying to work out the best place is that there are so many different factors.
Personally I would contact the city council and see if they have anyone who could answer your Q’s? Hope that helps.
Anita
25. Aug, 2009
Hi, I am interested in spending 3 months in Israel. I would like to know if anyone knows how I might could find a flat for this (without getting ripped off) as I would like to go over there knowing I have a place.
Forest
03. Sep, 2009
Hey Anita,
I have recently moved to Cairo, Egypt and had great help from an email list called Cairo Scholars for students and expats. So maybe you could find a forum or mailing list like that for Isreal?
I wish you the best of luck.
sherry
24. Sep, 2009
hi, i am going to move on to Sacramento, california ,so is there any one could tell me about living cost there and the rent rates?
Forest
28. Sep, 2009
@Sherry, Hi I have never been there I am afraid. I was hoping one of the other commenters could help you out!
Rob
16. Oct, 2009
I lived in WA state for 20 years and OR for 5. WA has no income tax, but you really pay thru the nose in property and sales taxes. OR has no sales tax but a very high income tax and property taxes as bad as WA. A no win situation. Anybody have real experience with NM? I hear Santa Fe is too trendy to be affordable. Albequerque, maybe? Other more reasonable cities/towns in NM?
Forest
17. Oct, 2009
@Rob, Thanks very much for the comment. I guess tax has a way of making itself up to be about the same wherever you go.
I would be interested to hear what people say about NM too… Anybody?
Faith
23. Aug, 2010
I am an ex-navy brat so I have lived in Memphis, Ca, Tx, and NM. I call Austin, Tx home..it is the live music capital city of the world. I moved to Roswell, NM for a job transfer and I absolutely hate this place. It is run down, gangs, drugs, and crime ridden. The town is overwhelmed and the small police force can not catch up. The younger crowd calls this town Ros-hell..lol. I have only been here for a year and we are preparing to move back to Austin Very soon. I will never live in New Mexico ever again…I don’t care how cheap the cost of living is. Austin, I’m coming back home:)
Forest
23. Aug, 2010
Hey Faith, oh man that sucks…. I won’t put Roswell on my visit list! I keep hearing more and more good things about Austin and it is affordable too! Good luck getting back home.
cross
29. Nov, 2009
i thin that one of the cheapest places to live is missourri
Forest
10. Dec, 2009
Hey Cross, thanks. I will look into Missouri
sherlock
10. Jan, 2010
Missouri might be cheap, but in many areas, especially during the winter, jobs are non-existent. Many of the sawmills, which are the only source of employment, close due to low demand. We just moved here, loved it last summer, found a little house, with a couple acres (our dream spot) and now can’t find work. We don’t know how long we can hold out. We have a three year old and can only exist on minimal money for so long, does anyone have any advice? I’m a student, my husband’s disabled, and we have a young child, so we have only so many options, but we’ll do what we have to do. We are just tired of living day to day, we want better for our son, for our family. Where is that ideal place, the happy place?
Forest
15. Jan, 2010
@Sherlock, really really sorry to hear about your situation…. With the bad economy right now it’s very hard.
I work online and earn a reasonable wage….. It’s not easy but if you or your husband have any time and are ok at writing you may be able to make a little cash from some niche websites.
Juan
23. Jan, 2010
My parents just bought a house in Martinsville, VA for $45,000. Some might think, “cheap price cheap house.” But it’s a four bedroom, two bath, with a 25′x25′ livingroom, a dinning room and a den, with a full basement (though not finished). The only downsides are that it has a small, but doable, kitchen and no attic. It also has an area off of the kitchen where we have a second fridge, freezer, and small pantry. Because we live in the city, most houses are right next to each other, but this house has an acre of land in the front and sides and a little more in the back, though that is a wooded area. The minimum wage is $7.25 and the unemployment rate is 21%, but there are plenty of cheap foreclosures in this area. I’m sure there are cheaper places than this, but Henry County and Martinsville, VA are cheap if you are retired or don’t need a job. Other wise the only setback is the unemployment rate.
Forest
24. Jan, 2010
@Juan, Thanks very much for the info….. If you can get by without having a job or you already have a job set up there it sounds like an excellent area to look to moving to.
Thank you for the info, always best to get it from people who know.
Jason
22. Feb, 2010
I know this is an old blog, but I’ve been reading through some of the comments, and felt compelled to comment. I currently live in Texas, born and raised, and the housing is extremely cheap here. I work in the culinary industry, and have been recently looking for a place up north to broaden my experience. From what I’ve seen, the cost of living is just ridiculous. I guess it’s just because I’m used to everything being so cheap down here, but I’m seriously starting to reconsider, because I wont have much cash left over at the end of the month for anything other than eating, and gas money. Some of the other comments kind of put Texas in a bad light though. I have done a lot of traveling, and I’ve found that generally speaking the people here are very nice. It’s a family friendly atmosphere, and it’s very community based. I also am an Atheist, and even though most people here are Christian I have never in anyway felt pressured to adopt Christianity. Of course you might find someone every now and then that wants to strike up an argument, but I’ve found that if you just say you would rather not talk about it because it only causes stress, they will generally agree and you can go back to having a good time. Also, with the “corrupt” police issue, I can say from experience that police here are not corrupt. They are however very strict, and can at times be overly intimidating. If you don’t break the law, you wont have anything to worry about. One of my best friends that lived down here for most of his life recently moved up to Maine, and he said that the police up there were much worse. Overall it’s a very friendly place to live, and I plan on staying.
P.S. I almost forgot about the heat issue. Yes it does get hot…it’s Texas. There are only a few days a year that it can really get to you though, and there is no shortage of swimming pools with plenty of people willing to share them. Personally I would rather deal with a few hot days at the pool, and a nice tan, than an entire winter of painful cold, and messy snow.
Forest
23. Feb, 2010
@Jason, Thanks so much for your awesome comment… I will be publishing a new article very soon with the great details you provided me about Texas..
As for the heat, I currently live in Cairo, Egypt so I know all about that
Timmei
25. Feb, 2010
I have been a vagrant around the us for the last few years. I am origionally from sandiego California I moved to Kansas which was nice in ft worth? But all they had really was a walmart. I moved to Missouri in Columbia and all I can say about there is it was a very bad place all full of gangs and that sort even scared just walking down the street to get a pop. I then moved to massachusettes and it was nice but hellaciously cold and rather expensive. I then moved back to Oceanside California for a while to catch up with friends before trying out orange California. Orange is nice really no crime and peaceful but I am now involved with girl who has a child and we cannot afford it so we are looking into finding a place very cheap and atleast a 2 bedroom to atleast settle while we start things up. I am looking to start up a clothing company so I’m hoping the cash supply would be mostly online.
Forest
25. Feb, 2010
Hey Timmel,
That’s really cool that you lived all over…. I have spent some time in New England and can agree about the prices and cold!!!
It’s a tough world right now but I work online and get by…. If it’s a 2nd job then it can be a real helper and as long as the company takes off and doesn’t have many debts you can do well…. Good luck.
Van
14. Apr, 2010
Thanks for the information. Another question, what about the safest place to stay. No earthquakes, well, it inevitable but still … i lived here in riverside county, CA..and when we had that after shock earthquake from Mexicali and I was at work while it happened and my kids were at home..to me that was a wake up call. so if you have any infor about that kindly send me. Thanks for your time and effort. Van
Forest
02. May, 2010
Hey Van, I don’t know exactly but the north end of the USA towards Canada gets very few quakes in my experience. However the snow can be pretty intense and cold.
Jim
09. May, 2010
Noted you did not include New Hampshire with the list of states that don’t collect income tax. You did mention New Hampshire does not collect Sales Tax. That being said the 8% ranking you gave New Hampshire just may be more economical then you posted.
Forest
11. May, 2010
Hey Jim, sorry for the inaccuracy there….. NH has no income or sales tax but I hear property tax is through the roof…. Could be the perfect state to rent in… Also NH is a pretty cool State (if you can deal with the Winter).
Thanks for your comment, i’ll update the post to be correct very soon.
Bunmi
21. May, 2010
I live in queen creek,az and it’s very cheAp to live here, I rent a 4 bedroom and 3 bath house for only $900 and it’s a 2 story with a loft, walk in closet and the houses are new like 2 years, all in all really nice houses for cheap it probably won’t stay like that for long because so many people are moving in to the area but so far so good
Forest
22. May, 2010
Hey Bunmi,
That’s really good info for me to know
. I plan on doing posts on each state as time goes on and would it be ok to email you for some more info on Arizona?
Thanks a million.
Bunmi
22. May, 2010
Yeah sure that would be fine I’ve only been living here for about 2 1/2 years or so I also lived
in Boston for about 10 years
Forest
24. May, 2010
Thanks, I love Boston but it’s really expensive… Shaws Supermarket charged me $4 for a red pepper!
Elle
23. May, 2010
Hi,I live in New York City (Bronx) which is very expensive and I’m extremely frustrated because I kinda feel like I’m being ripped off and I’ve also been living here for years.I have a 17-year old daughter and I want to live in an inexpensive state in the US.Any help/ideas/advice would be appreciated dearly.Thank you.
Forest
24. May, 2010
Hey Elle, I hear the bronx is outrageously priced these days….. Texas is supposed to be very affordable but really hot hot summers. Any of the mid states are cheaper in general but you may also find staying in NY state and just moving out of the big city may help a little.
Bunmi
24. May, 2010
Hahahaha!! Shaws market, fortunatly I’m only 20 so when I was living in boston I was young and didn’t have to pay for anything but I did know the prices and when I moved here and became an official adult who had things to worry about I’m like wow if we had 1200 every month to pay like we had to do for a mediocore apartment, we would be living in more than a 3,000 sq feet house with 5 bedrooms, it’s rediculus how expensive it is.
Forest
30. May, 2010
Wow, amazing the difference living in a different area can make!
Bunmi
24. May, 2010
@Elle
move to Arizona, queen creek exactly, especialy if it’s just you and your daughter even the whole family! My parents moved here when I was 17 too, just get ready to drive ALOT!! That’s the only downside to it oh and it’s really hot but anyone can handle it if they wanted to they have central ac’s in probably all of the houses don’t know about the apartments but why would you wanna live in an apartment when u can live in a beautiful house that costs almost the same price . But it’s getting bigger now and they are builing more thing s, there’s shopping and all but when you get a job you will most likely drive 45 minutes just to get there, and average speending limit is 45-65 the roads are good, lots of traffic in the morning though, if you wanna know more let me know, but I think you should think about it
Forest
30. May, 2010
Thanks for helping out here
bentwanderer
29. May, 2010
What in the world does the minimum wage of anywhere have to do with the cost of living.That would be a completely different subject.
Forest
30. May, 2010
Hi bent Wanderer…. Cheapness of something is always related to how much money you make. In Egypt (where I currently am) the cost of living seems very low earning a USA wage but earning local wage it’s high.
So basing cost of living in relation of a states minimum wage helps establish how well the poorest of an area (with jobs) can live, thus giving an idea of how cheap it is to live in relation to how much things cost.
That’s my take on it anyway…..
C N Holmes
29. May, 2010
Hi, I appreciate the blog. Only factual error I noticed is that there are sales taxes in Alaska. The state of Alaska does not have a sales tax but local cities, villages and boroughs can impose them. One place that has a city tax is the city of North Pole, Alaska. It is about 17 miles south east of Fairbanks. If I remember correctly, several other cities and boroughs do have a sales tax.
Forest
30. May, 2010
Hey C N Holmes, thanks for that….. Something I didn’t come across in my research. I need to overhaul this article or write an update as I have learned a lot since writing it.
LELIOSA C.LASOLA
22. Jun, 2010
i just happen to open your blog or site”.the cheapest place to live in usa.”i’m about 51/2 years more to retirement,currently working very hard in ny city but lived upstate ny.everything is very expensive specially realstate tax roughtly 10,000 a year and increasing every year.although i invested enough for my retirement,pension and SSS(?) i still want to move to a place cheap but lively and not too hot.always i wanted a big house and a big yard because gardening is one of my passion,cooking and ballroom dancing to be exact.any idea?thanks.LEL.
Forest
23. Jun, 2010
Hi Leliosa, I bet it’s tough in NY
….. Even upstate is expensive and not even that nice compared to neighbouring Vermont (also darn expensive though!!!).
I would consider somewhere in the mid west but not sure about the job situation there at the moment and moving away from diverse NY CIty to more small town rural surroundings could be a shock!!!!
Joann
27. Jun, 2010
Many of us in the same boat. I am a single parent with a teen and I do not drive. Living day by day and need to move out of where we are now, no job and cuts.
My biggest challenge is finding a suitable place with some sort of transit. I live in South Dakota and get around reasonably well for 5 years. So not looking for a NYC or DC., just bus transit to get around to shopping, doctors and schools.
\Any suggestions on where to go that preferably has decent public schools, safe or not Gary Indiana crime, bus transit options and affordable for someone on a fixed income?
Also, a place that is welcoming to persons not from there. This has been the biggest challenge in our current locale. Everyone has enough friends and doesn’t need anyone else in their circle of friends. So very isolating for us.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate.
Good luck to all and hope everyone finds what they need. : )
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Hey Joann, any medium sized city should have decent transit… As for social circles, that is so hard to judge and I wish I knew where to start here
. I know it’s obvious but often it’s good to start looking at going to events that interest you or volunteering to meet people. We are strange creatures and often keep too closed in on our own little groups 
.
Jayne
28. Jun, 2010
Really enjoyed reading your blog…it helped me to think about where I want to move. I live in a small town in Wa andwe live as simply as possible. My question is, how did you end up in Cairo??? Have you done any exploring???
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Thank you Jayne. Simple living is best as far as I am concerned. I live very simply myself.
My partner is studying for her masters here so I came along. I have been around Egypt a bit and seen some amazing sites including temples, pyramids and some awesome muslim and christian sites too…. Egypt is a wondrous place!
Jackie
30. Jun, 2010
Hello Everyone, I have been reading all of the posts and found them really interesting as I am thinking of moving to America (probably would only live there for a couple of years through a work visa). I live in Manchester, England (have done all of my life) I would really like to move to Texas and wanted to thank Jason for a positive view on Texas (although I appreciate all of the other views also) and thank you Forest. I like the idea of Texas being into Christianity as I am a Christian myself but here in England I think it is awful that in some places you can’t even wear a cross on a necklace for fear of offending someone and they have even banned the wearing of cross’s in some workplaces which I think is really awful. I really do think whichever religion you are you should be able to wear whatever you like with pride. Thank you Ps (that is not the only reason I would like to move to Texas there are other reasons but Texan’s being into Christianity is a big plus)
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Hey Jackie, I am English too, from London.
I have lived in Canada and spent a fair amount of time in USA but not Texas itself yet.
Religion should be free to express and from my experience in USA as a Christian you will find many to share your faith with…. Sadly though some other religions do have a hard time there.
Diane
04. Jul, 2010
I have been considering moving to West Virginia, I currently live in Massachusetts about an hour away from Boston.
I looked at Elkins and read something about Wheeling, does anyone have any info on these two places?
I don’t have a lot of money or a car and I would have to rent. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
Diane
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Hey Diane, I don’t personally have any knowledge of these places but my general experience of Mass is that it’s not the cheapest part of USA but some of the smaller towns are more affordable. Boston itself I found very expensive!
I would search for real estate prices and rental to get an idea of the area’s prices and also try and find some local chat forums to ask questions on, maybe there are some local groups that could help you through email.
Diane
17. Jul, 2010
Thanks, I will do that!
Diane
Steve Haul
04. Jul, 2010
Oregon’s min wage is $8.40 and we don’t have a sales tax!
goat lover
04. Jul, 2010
P.S San Fran isn’t a state it’s a city in cali and it’s supper spendy there!!!!
billy bob
04. Jul, 2010
So, San Fran isn’t a state it’s a city in California, and secondly Oregon shouldn’t be discounted….. it’s min wage is $8.40 and there is no sales tax in oregon and there’s a sales tax in california and washington! I’ve leaved in all three and find oregon to be quite cheap!!!
Mz. Betch
15. Jul, 2010
Go Oregon…..yay.
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Thanks Mz Betch
Forest
17. Jul, 2010
Hey Billy Bob, thanks, I will take a peak at Oregon for sure. Sounds like a livable place.
Jeff
24. Jul, 2010
Nice post! Right now, almost every city seems expensive. And the job market is tough nearly everywhere. There are pockets in most states that are better than others but they’re hard to find and jobs are still slim. A good place to start looking for work is with city governments. Most cities have regular job postings and the pay isn’t bad but the benefits are usually quite good. Many cities also have pension plans that probably won’t evaporate like with big corporations.
Forest
25. Jul, 2010
Hey Jeff, The States and Europe are expensive places right now but hopefully something will fix it a bit soon
…. But we have to make do and get by where we can.
Great idea about working for government, it also can help you to move around to other gov positions once you have some experience.
Donald
24. Jul, 2010
Retirement only – I found Meridan, MIssippii to be the most
frugal (tax wise). However, if your into entertainment then I would go to Washington DC. Threre are more interesting events to get into in DC than any other place in the USA.
Forest
25. Jul, 2010
Hey Donald, thanks for the info. What is the job market like there? DC is great for entertainment but it’s a horrible feeling to be in the poorer part of town knowing that all that money is right next door!!! They really should find a way to distribute the wealth a little better there!
cady
25. Jul, 2010
DC area here. Very expensive. As for jobs, if you have Masters degree or above, you’ll not have a problem. If not, it’s entry level and not enough without getting roommates and/or working two jobs. Rents for 2 bedroom apartments are around $1400 – $1600 to live anywhere safe. Which is why, since I was laid off, I may have to leave. I’ve lived in DC or the MD suburbs all my life. I’ll miss it if I have to move. While not as expensive as NY city or San Francisco, I think we’d be next on the list of high cost of living. I see ads for condos starting at $300,000 as being ‘great deals’ all the time. Nope – we are not cheap here.
Read the Metro and Arts & Living sections of the Washington Post online for a while and you’ll get a feel for the area.
Forest
26. Jul, 2010
Wow that is pretty pricey for a small 2 bed…… I guess it’s relative if you have the job to pay for it.
I hope things work out for you soon, it’s always hard to move.
Thanks for your comment and taking the time to let us know some inside info.
Warren
24. Jul, 2010
There is NO PLACE cheap to live in this country. Big Brother will find you take his big bite out of you. So tell me, why save and invest? My advice, Stay single, spend all your money on yourself, pray your health stays good. Then when you go, they (Big Brother ) can’t get nothing out of you, not if you had nothing to leave behind.
Forest
08. Aug, 2010
Hey Warren, if that’s a choice you want to make then that is cool. If you really feel like that then I would advise moving to a country with social medicine at least…. Just in case you do get sick!
brandi
07. Aug, 2010
I live in cali., and I am tired of being boke, never having enough after all my bills are paid. I work to pay bills. I’m ready to move. where can i move where i can pay all my bills, and still have fun living life.
Forest
08. Aug, 2010
Hey Brandi, I have never been there but I hear a lot of good things about Austin in Texas. Apparently it’s affordable, there are reasonable job opportunities and it has a great music scene and night life.
Cayotic
11. Aug, 2010
Very good topic; as a visual person I wish this information could be cross referenced in a database of sorts. Something to consider is boarding states and their respective tax burdens. For example, WA doesn’t have income tax and OR does but WA has 9% sales tax ($9 cigarettes) where as oregon does not and has $5 smokes. So for me, living in Vancouver, WA. Just outside of Portland, OR. would free me from income tax and allow me to spend my hard earned cash in Oregon. Other than that, alaska seemed to be the best place to live tax wise; no sales or income tax. That’s if you like 23 hrs of night 3 months out of the year.
Forest
11. Aug, 2010
Hey Cayotic, that is a good idea. It would take some work to make a complete list but may be a good project.
jason
20. Aug, 2010
I have lived in Iowa,Texas,and Colorado. Iowa seemed super cheap when I lived there I was paying 350.00 a month for rent on 2 bed one bath house with big yard + shop and garage. I am now living in Colorado and I am paying 550.00 a month rent on 3 bedroom two bath house with huge fenced in yard,laundry room, huge shop, 3 sheds, and a huge mud room. But didn’t get these cheap places right when I moved, I had to watch the news paper and look online until I found what I was lookin for.
Forest
22. Aug, 2010
Hey Jason, I guess with all deals it takes patience. I have heard some great things about Colorado. I think all of the mid/south of USA can be done well on a limited budget. The north can too but it gets harder in some places.