Where Is The Cheapest Safest Place To Live In The US?

Finding an affordable and secure place to live in the US can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the options available. Finding your way between all the overwhelming statistics can be draining. But living in a place that is both safe and cheap can positively impact our lives and our finances. Living in an affordable and safe place does not only increase our quality of life, but it can also have a positive effect on our physical and emotional health by reducing stress factors. So, a thorough search is well worth it in the long run, returning the efforts put into it with interest! Finding safe cities that have an affordable cost of living can be tricky, because the statistics vary a lot, and there can be other drawbacks to take into consideration. Affordable places are often not safe, and vice versa. Still, many American cities have both of those benefits, and also, there are tools that can make your search easier. 

How to find the cheapest safest places in the US?

Locating a place that is both cheap and safe can be challenging, but there are a few criteria that can help your search end quicker. 

Define what your needs and wants are

For finding the best options that will increase your quality of life and serve your interests in the best possible way, you need to know in advance what are the things that are important to you. You might find cities that are affordable and safe but lacking in another area that is important in your life and crucial for your well-being. 

Where to live in the USA for maximum safety and minimum cost? Generally speaking, rural areas are more affordable and safe than urban areas, but there are exceptions too. Finding a nice place in a rural area is a viable choice, but there are plenty of affordable and safe cities, too, if you prefer more of an urban lifestyle. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can also choose to go with something like a suburb. 

The cost of living index

The cost of living index is a reliable tool for comparing the average costs of living in different locations in the United States. The cost of living index gives an idea of all the averages broken down into categories like housing, groceries, healthcare, education, and transportation. The overall cost of living index is calculated from an average of the cost of services and goods, which is then compared to a national average. The national average is given the value of 100, and the cost of living index in specific locations is expressed as a percentage of that national average. 

The safety index

The safety index is calculated similarly from available data on crime rates, natural disasters, or other potential risks and health hazards in a particular location. 

Those two indexes can help to get a general idea about where the cheapest and safest places are in the United States. 

Where are the affordable and safe places hiding?

According to fresh statistics, the top cheapest and safest states to live in the US in 2023 are:

• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Alabama
• Georgia
• West Virginia
• Missouri
• Tennessee
• Iowa

While in the rural areas, it is easier to find cheap and safe places, the cities are harder to locate. But in spite of the expectations, there are even cities with low cost of living and high wages for 2023 in the USA. Based on our research, these cities are affordable and quite safe at the same time:

• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Boise, Idaho
• Ridgefield, Connecticut
• Topeka, Kansas
• Frisco, Texas
• Mobile, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi

Remember that safety and affordability are just two of the essential criteria to consider when searching for a good place to live. Other factors, like access to education or the availability of roads, can also be important factors. Additionally, contacting real estate agents in potential areas you are considering might make your search easier. Feel free to reach out to them!