Looking to learn more about the cost of living in the USA? Do you live in the United States of America and want to evaluate the cheapest cities to live in? Are you planning to live in the USA one day and don’t know the best cost of living options?
We have prepared an article with the 35 cities that have the best cost of living in the USA taking into consideration the criteria most often cited by people. Check it all out now!
Cost of Living in the USA
In order to evaluate cities that present the best cost of living in the USA, some criteria were necessary, which people look for the most, these are: housing and food:
To evaluate cities that present the best cost of living in the U.S., were necessary some criteria, in which people most seek, when thinking about how to buy a house in the United States, these are: housing and food.
35º – MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
As one of the cities with the highest cost of living in the US, Mountain View is located in Silicon Valley and is known around the world for being home to the headquarters of several large companies.
Quote:
- Microsoft;
- Yahoo!;
- Mozilla;
- MSN;
- Hotmail;
- Google.
The cost of living for one person can reach $5,151.00 US dollars.
34º – NOVA YORK
New York has one of the highest costs of living in the USA. A city with excellent leisure options, great schools, restaurants and shopping centers.
This city could not be cheaper, after all it is the big “capital of the world”: People from all over the planet meet there.
The cost of living to live in New York per person is approximately $4,255.00 per month.
33º – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
The cost of living in San Francisco is 97% higher than the average US cost of living.
With housing almost 3 times more expensive than other American cities (according to The Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living is almost the same as New York, with food and housing being even slightly higher.
32º – OAKLAND
A California city located on the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland is the 4th most expensive city in the USA.
Besides being considered as one of the most dangerous cities in the USA, the cost of living for a single person reaches up to $4,234.00.
31º – SAN JOSÉ
Within the state of California, San Jose delivers one of the “most expensive” costs of living in the USA. This is even more pronounced when it comes to housing.
One factor that makes living here more expensive is the high availability of jobs, which attracts many people to the city.
In terms of population, San Jose is the third largest city in California.
With an average cost of living of US$ 3,906.00, it ranks 31st among our 35 cities with the best cost of living in the USA.
30º – WASHINGTON, D.C.
It is the capital of the United States and home to the White House, home of the most powerful men in the world.
The cost of living in Washington is higher than in 89% of cities in the USA – it is approximately US$3,640 per month.
29º – JERSEY CITY
Located less than a mile from New York City, Jersey City is a destination that boasts the most diverse types of landscapes.
With its memorable state coastline, it is abundant with beaches and lined with gardens.
The cost of living in Jersey City is more expensive than 87% of the cities in the USA, having to pay 3,546.00 per month – this is almost the same as Washington, with transportation being a little cheaper.
28º – LOS ANGELES
Known around the world as a great seat of cinematography, Los Angeles has much more than movie studios.
It is a bold city with stadiums, amusement parks, museums, beaches, and a busy and very interesting nightlife.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is more expensive than 85% of the cities in the USA – about the same as Jersey City, with housing and transportation more affordable, but entertainment more expensive.
27º – BOSTON
Located in the northeastern United States, the city of Boston is one of the country’s major university centers.
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the state of Massachusetts.
Because of its huge student population, the Boston metropolitan area is home to people from all over the world.
Its ethnic and cultural diversity is impressive.
The cost of living in Boston is more expensive than 83% of the cities in the United States, with transportation and housing cheaper than Los Angeles.
26 º – HONOLULU
Located on the south coast of the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii.
Popular as much for the natural beauty of the beaches and the volcanic crater Diamond Head, as for the regional historical and cultural attractions.
The cost of living in Honolulu is 20% cheaper than in New York.
It is worth remembering that transportation, housing, and entertainment are much more affordable than in Boston, for example.
25º – SEATTLE
Seattle is a great city to live, walk and study. And for those who enjoy music, technology, nature and culture, it’s a great choice.
At the same time it is a huge industrial, commercial and financial center. It is a cool and multicultural tourist city.
The cost of living in Seattle is more expensive than 79% of the US cities, and when compared to Honolulu, it is a little more economical in housing, transportation and food.
The estimated monthly cost for a single person is 3,336.00 per month.
If you are from the city that offers the best cost of living in the USA, in order to move, you will need a green card.
24º – SAN DIEGO
San Diego is a city on the California coast, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, famous for its beaches, its parks, and its warm climate.
San Diego is full of hotels and resorts and has many outdoor attractions.
With so much lush scenery, San Diego provides a high quality of life for its residents.
The main industries are aerospace and electronics, printing materials, machinery, metal products, furniture and chemicals. These areas also employ a lot of people.
The cost of living in San Diego is more expensive than in 77% of US cities. However, you will find housing there more affordable than in Seattle.
23º – CHICAGO
Chicago is the most populous city in the state of Illinois, and is the third most populous city in the United States, behind only New York and Los Angeles.
Its metropolitan area has the 4th largest GDP in the country, and a great quality of life.
With an estimated monthly individual cost of living of $2,843.00, Chicago is more expensive than about 74% of the cities in the USA.
22º – CHARLOTTE
Charlotte is the capital of North Carolina, the most populated city in the USA. Charlotte is an excellent cost-effective option.
It also has a milder climate compared to other cities.
The temperature varies from -1°C to 31°C throughout the year. Being a medium-sized city, this reflects on the prices.
It has a monthly cost for a single person of $2,731.00 on average.
21 º – AUSTIN
Austin is the capital of Texas; it is a small city, with less than 1 million inhabitants.
It is not a very touristy city, although it has events that attract a lot of people from abroad.
Much of the population are students, mainly from the University of Texas, which is huge.
Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the USA, with many bars of the most diverse musical styles.
In the hottest season of the year, the temperature tends to reach 38 degrees, and in winter it is very cold – with temperatures below freezing.
The cost of living in Austin is 17% cheaper than in Chicago, with the monthly cost for a person estimated at $2,667.00.
20º – FORT WORTH
Considered the most beautiful city in Texas and located about 30 miles from Dallas, Fort Worth is in the Metropolitan area to the west of Dallas and has a population of approximately only 750,000.
Its estimated cost of living is approximately $2,513.00 per person.
19 º –BALTIMORE
Baltimore is known for its warmth and the welcome given to people who come there.It has been the place to stay for emerging artists and musicians.
Baltimore has the cheap cost of living when compared to most northeastern metropolitan areas. One of the “flaws” in Baltimore is the lack of efficiency of public transportation.
There are great neighborhoods to live in, but with neighborhoods that are known to be dangerous, it might be well worth checking out the neighborhood before deciding to make it your home.
The cost of living is around $2,499.00.
18º – TAMPA, FLÓRIDA
Tampa is a city located in Hillsborough County in the state of Florida.
The beauty of Tampa is more in nature – being a city on the bay, there is water everywhere, several very well kept parks geared towards families with children.
Tampa has poor public transportation, so it is recommended that you have your own car to get around.
It has a thriving agribusiness center that sells an abundance of citrus fruits, livestock, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, ornamental plants, flowers, and tropical fish – as a result, many agriculture-related industries have been attracted to this area.
The average cost of living per person in Tampa, USA is – on average – $2,391.00.
17º – MINNEAPOLIS
Get to know the most beautiful place in northern Minnesota, where there is breathtaking scenery by the river.
Minneapolis is a city surrounded by art and has a theater on almost every corner.
In the city there is a culture committed to improving its craft beverages.
It has the best park system in the nation and a foodie paradise.
The cost of living in Minneapolis is higher than in 55% of the cities in the USA – It is $2,349.00 in estimated monthly cost for one person.
16º – SALT LAKE CITY
With a population of 1.1 million people, the valley is surrounded by mountains that get a lot of snow in the winter.
It has many dams and water treatment plants because they use the snow as a source of drinking water during the year.
It has a very large economy with oil refineries, commerce, banks, offices, universities, hospitals and hotels.
Tourism is big especially in the winter, when the ski resorts are full and receive tourists from all over the world.
But its public transportation leaves much to be desired – it is well advised to have your own car.
Its cost of living is around US$ 2,314.00.
15º – ORLANDO
One of the most famous tourist cities in the USA, Orlando offers great attractions – such as the famous Disney and Universal theme parks – and is located in the state of Florida, which goes beyond tourism.
Orlando has pleasant weather practically all year round and delivers a great quality of life.
With spectacular public services and a stable, growing economy, Orlando provides great opportunities for many different areas of training and has made a name for itself on the national scene.
The city also has an excellent infrastructure and renowned educational institutions in all levels of education, which has attracted the attention of those who want to live in the USA.
You will be surprised at how much you will need to spend for your living costs in Mickey’s land: it is estimated at $2,297.00 per month.
14º – RENO
Reno is recognized as one of the best places in the USA to live and raise a family. In addition, it has been voted the “most hospitable city in Nevada” for seven years in a row.
One of the likely reasons for this must be the fact that it offers year-round opportunities for lively entertainment, events, and fun for the whole family.
In addition, it has a strong economy with low unemployment rates, affordable real estate, and an excellent educational system. Its cost of living does not exceed $2,236.00 per person.
13º – BOISE
Located in the northwestern state of Idaho, Boise is west of Washington and has an inexpensive cost of living compared to the American average and offers many opportunities in the technology industry.
Boise has a pleasant climate, with sunshine most of the year, and is ideal for those who like to live surrounded by nature.
The cost of living there is $2,251.00 per resident.
12º – ATLANTA
Atlanta is a great city, where you can find everything you need. It is very safe, with very efficient police work.
It has a great cost of living, especially if compared with other major cities around the world.
With attractions for all tastes, Atlanta has several neighborhoods, which ended up becoming “mini-cities”, where the residents find everything they need.
For sure, this factor puts the city in a good cost of living in the USA
The cost of living for one person is estimated at $2,222.00.
11º – SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio is the 7th most populous city in the US and the 2nd most populous in Texas, with 1.3 million people.
Just like the other cities in the state, it has a summer that is no joke, with temperatures above 35 degrees almost every day – and many days hitting 40 degrees.
It proves to be a clean, quiet city, with a large amount of Mexican immigrants.
It delivers an average cost of living of $2,154.00 per person.
Top 10 Cheapest cities in the USA to live in
We made it to our top 10 of the cheapest cities in the US to live in! Keep following us to better understand the cost of living in the United States.
10º – NASHVILLE
Nashville besides having a low cost of living is a center for the music, healthcare, publishing, banking, and transportation industries, and is home to a huge number of colleges and universities.
It has quality public transportation and is very punctual, so you can get around the entire city by public transportation without much trouble.
The average cost of living in Nashville is $2,145.00 per citizen.
9º – NOVA ORLEANS
New Orleans is a major industrial center and has the busiest port in the country (4th in the world and the busiest in the USA).
New Orleans is a tourist city known internationally for its cultural diversity, good music, and food, it is the land of Jazz and cuisine.
How much does it cost to live in New Orleans? Be prepared for $2,099.00/month.
8º – ST. LOUIS
St. Louis is a very small city, with approximately 300,000 inhabitants, and lies on the banks of the Mississippi River in the central United States.
It has a low cost of living, but despite this, you will have to adapt to the long distances you will have to travel if you do not live downtown.
The city will not offer you many public transportation options, so ideally you should have a car.
Just under $1,998.00 is your estimated cost of living per month.
7º – TUCSON
Tucson is a populous city in the American state of Arizona, located in Pima County.
With warm weather, sunny skies and little (or no) snow every year, it has a variety of outdoor activities.
Tucson favors seniors, as no taxes are levied on Social Security benefits, it is definitely a good place to retire in Arizona.
This factor puts the city at a good cost of living in the US.
This city has a cost of living of $1,972.00.
6º – LITTLE ROCK
There are many benefits to living in Little Rock, Arkansas.
It is big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to have a small town feel.
Compared to the rest of the country, the prices for food, fuel, and entertainment are quite affordable.
The average cost of a house in Little Rock is $140,000, the average rent is $750. It is not difficult to find much lower prices if you were looking for a small house.
It is also a good place to save some money for the future, since the cost of living is quite low: on average $1,911.
5º – TULSA
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second-largest city, is cosmopolitan and has quintessentially American appeal.
Dominated by the energy sector, Tulsa has 400 thousand inhabitants who work hard during the day, but enjoy the many cultural and entertainment options at night. There are several bars and restaurants that are very affordable.
Tulsa has an average cost of living of $1,798.00 per month.
4º – KNOXVILLE
Knoxville has incredible architecture, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and natural water sources located 30 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited and most beautiful in the United States.
The city is growing, taxes are low, and there are investment incentives.
In a rafting company, for example, it is possible to have an income of 14 million dollars a year, because the population in general loves contact with nature.
The low violence rate, the great schools, and the many entertainment options for the family are some examples that make Knoxville the ideal city to raise a family.
For this reason we consider that the city offers a good cost of living in the USA.
The public schools are efficient and offer several free parks for children.
The average cost of living in Knoxville is $1,776.00 per person, one of the cheapest US cities to live in in our selection.
3º – LOUISVILLE
Louisville is a city in Kentucky and has a population of 617,790.
Louisville is in Jefferson County and is one of the best places to live in Kentucky.
The cost of living and housing in Louisville is below the national average. Most residents own their homes.
The public schools in Louisville are above average with excellent extracurricular courses.
The cost of living in this interesting city is $1,548.00/month.
2º – MCALLEN
McAllen, Texas, is a lively metropolitan area that is a major center for retail, international trade, tourism, and manufacturing.
With a high quality of life, great medical facilities, and a young, bicultural community, McAllen is not without other attractions.
The two largest employment sectors in McAllen are in education and health care.
It has great public schools that stand out over private schools.
An interesting $1,512.00 is your approximate monthly bill for this city.
1º – GILBERT
Gilbert is a small town, and as such, has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States.
The city is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the capital of the state of Arizona, and has a population of approximately 260,000.
It is known especially for its natural beauty and legacy in the production of cultural activities, especially in the field of performing arts.
This is the champion city among all the cheapest cities in the USA to live in in this selection.
Gilbert has a cost of living 75.5% cheaper than New York, which is equivalent to approximately $1,042.00.
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