1. Decatur, Illinois
Decatur ranks as the cheapest place to live in the US, with a cost of living nearly a quarter below the national average. Despite its struggles with unemployment and the departure of major companies like Archer Daniels Midland
2. Harlingen, Texas
Situated at the southernmost tip of Texas, Harlingen offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average. Despite challenges like a high poverty rate, Harlingen provides affordable housing and a range of cultural
3. Conway, Arkansas
Known as "The City of Colleges," Conway boasts a youthful population due to its three post-secondary educational institutions. The city offers a lower cost of living across various expenses, making it an affordable option with recreational opportunities
4. McAllen, Texas
With a high poverty rate but low living costs, McAllen is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities and cultural attractions like the Quinta Mazatlan and the International Museum of Art & Science. Residents enjoy significantly lower housing
5. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Despite its low cost of living, Kalamazoo faces significant poverty rates, both in the city proper and at the metro level. However, the city benefits from institutions like Western Michigan University and major employers like Stryker and Pfizer
6. Florence, Alabama
Situated on the Tennessee River, Florence offers a low cost of living coupled with a rich musical history, including ties to W.C. Handy and The Rolling Stones. With attractions like the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and affordability across various expenses
7. Joplin, Missouri
Joplin, historically known for being a hiding place for Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde, has since recovered from a devastating tornado in 2011. The city boasts low housing costs and a vibrant medical sector, with major hospitals
8. Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton, located in southwest Oklahoma, is a military town home to Fort Sill, where many soldiers were trained for wars from WWI onwards. While housing costs are significantly below the national average, Lawton struggles with a high poverty rate