Which US State Has the Lowest Cost of Living? Discover Your Affordable Haven

Alright, if you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of paying sky-high rent, squeezing every penny, and looking for a way out. I totally get it. Not long ago, I had a conversation with my buddy Jake, and he was stressed out about the insane cost of living in California. I mean, let’s face it, prices in some states are just out of control. So, I dug into it. The question is: Which US state has the lowest cost of living?

Let’s break it down, and I’ll tell you what I found. Spoiler alert: The state you think is affordable might not even be close!

Why Cost of Living Matters (And Why It’s a Big Deal)

You know, when people talk about moving to a new state, they often get all excited about the weather or the job opportunities. But honestly, the cost of living is just as important. I mean, it can make or break your experience.

If you’re in a place where rent is through the roof, groceries cost more than you’re willing to admit, and utilities are draining your bank account, that affects your quality of life. My cousin, for example, lived in New York City for years, and it’s no surprise, she was barely getting by. Moving to a state with a lower cost of living actually freed her up to live her life and save money—who would’ve thought?

The Top States With the Lowest Cost of Living

Okay, now let’s dive into the states that are actually affordable. Ready?

1. Mississippi: Surprisingly Affordable

Honestly, I never thought Mississippi would pop up as the most affordable state, but hey, it’s not just low—it’s really low. The average cost of living here is about 15% lower than the national average. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment for under $900 a month in some areas. And it’s not just housing—food, utilities, and healthcare are super cheap, too. Seriously, I’m wondering why I didn’t move there when I had the chance.

2. Arkansas: A Hidden Gem

Another state you wouldn’t expect, right? But Arkansas is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. The cost of living here is about 13% lower than the national average. If you’re into nature, this place is a dream with tons of parks and rivers. Plus, you can grab a nice house for less than $150,000 in many areas. My friend Sam moved to Little Rock last year, and she can’t believe how much she’s saving.

3. Oklahoma: A Surprising Affordable Choice

Okay, I’ll admit, I wasn’t too sure about Oklahoma at first. But once I took a closer look, it makes sense. Oklahoma has a low cost of living (around 10% below the national average), and cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City offer solid job opportunities. My coworker Alex just bought a decent-sized house for a fraction of what it would’ve cost in Texas. If you don’t mind the occasional tornado warning, this state could be your sweet spot.

4. New Mexico: Affordable Yet Scenic

New Mexico might not be on the top of your list, but it should be. The cost of living is about 7% lower than the national average, and rents are crazy cheap. You can get a two-bedroom apartment in Albuquerque for under $1,000 a month—amazing, right? I know a couple who relocated there last year, and they’re living comfortably, enjoying the amazing desert views without worrying about their finances.

5. Tennessee: Low Costs and Music Vibes

Alright, Tennessee isn’t just about music and country vibes. It’s also super affordable. The cost of living here is about 8% below the national average. And no state income tax? Heck yeah! I’ve visited Nashville a couple of times, and while rent can be high in the city center, you can still find affordable places in areas like Knoxville or Chattanooga. Plus, you’ve got the Southern hospitality to go with it.

Housing: The Biggest Factor in the Cost of Living

Okay, here’s the deal. When it comes to the cost of living, housing is usually the biggest factor. If rent and home prices are sky-high, it doesn’t matter how cheap your groceries are—you're still gonna feel the squeeze.

Rent Prices in Affordable States

In states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, you’ll find that rents are a fraction of what they are in high-cost areas like California or New York. For example, in Jackson, Mississippi, you can rent a three-bedroom house for under $1,000 a month. Try that in Los Angeles or Miami, and you’d be lucky to get a shoebox for the same price.

Property Taxes and Home Prices

I also found that property taxes are significantly lower in these states. Arkansas, for instance, has a lower property tax rate than the national average, making it easier for homeowners to save money.

The Downside: Job Opportunities and Amenities

Okay, let’s be real. While states like Mississippi and Arkansas are cheap, they don’t always come with the same level of job opportunities and amenities you might find in more expensive places. Don’t get me wrong—there are great jobs in these states, but the competition might not be as fierce, and salaries could be a bit lower.

Consider the Trade-Offs

I had a friend, Megan, who moved to a small town in Arkansas because the cost of living was dirt cheap. But she had to adjust to a slower pace of life and fewer entertainment options. Honestly, it wasn’t for her, and she ended up moving back to Dallas. So, before you pack your bags, think about the lifestyle you want and what you’re willing to give up.

Should You Move to an Affordable State?

Well, if you’re tired of high rent, crushing debt, and that never-ending stress, moving to a state with a lower cost of living could be a game-changer. But remember, there’s always a trade-off. What are you willing to compromise on? The weather, the job market, the amenities, or maybe the slower pace of life?

If you're looking to live large on a small budget, you might find that Mississippi, Arkansas, or Oklahoma are the hidden gems you've been searching for. Who knows? Your next big move could be to one of these affordable havens.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.