Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>4.3%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere, affordable housing isn’t a rare find; it’s the norm<\/strong>. Take a look at the median price of a home in these cities: Weirton, $165,000; Bluefield, $150,500; Dunbar, $132,000; and Huntington, $119,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWest Virginia faces challenges with limited job opportunities, below-average household income, and high unemployment. Roads in remote areas can be poor, especially in winter. Small-town life is cozy, but accessing amenities like cultural events and healthcare may require long trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5: Alabama<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCourtesy of the City of Montgomery (Pictured: Montgomery, Alabama). <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a state where neighbors quickly become friends, that would be Alabama. Steeped in history and southern charm, the state beckons with the promise of low housing costs, favorable tax benefits, and a cost of living index 11.7% below the national average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n% of the National Average Cost of Living<\/strong><\/td>88.3%<\/td><\/tr> Median Home Price<\/strong><\/td>$267,100<\/td><\/tr> Median Monthly Rent<\/strong><\/td>$925<\/td><\/tr> Average Salary<\/strong><\/td>$73,220<\/td><\/tr> Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>3.1%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHome buyers, get ready for these median housing prices. In Birmingham, it’s $189,900; in Anniston, it’s $160,000; and in Selma, it’s just $72,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like other affordable states in the south, Alabama has a high poverty rate, limited public transportation, and issues with the education system. Extreme weather, sweltering summers, and a large bug population are often mentioned as drawbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#6: Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n From the scenic Ozark Mountains<\/strong> to picturesque cities along the Mississippi River<\/strong>, Missouri provides diverse recreational activities and stunning landscapes to explore. The best part? <\/em>The thriving economy and growing job marke<\/strong>t offer ample career opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCourtesy of Jefferson City Magazine (Pictured: Jefferson, Missouri)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n% of the National Average Cost of Living<\/strong><\/td>88.5%<\/td><\/tr> Median Home Price<\/strong><\/td>$243,500<\/td><\/tr> Median Monthly Rent<\/strong><\/td>$957<\/td><\/tr> Average Salary<\/strong><\/td>$67,870<\/td><\/tr> Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>3.4%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe love the housing figures we found in Missouri. The median home price in Poplar Bluff is $189,500; it’s $120,000 in Kennett, and it’s $70,000 in Jennings<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs for the “cons” column, Missouri has cold winters and hot summers, natural disasters like flooding and severe storms, limited public transportation systems, and native pest species that can be harmful as you’re exploring the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7: Arkansas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Arkansas offers affordability, natural beauty, and a high quality of life. The natural landscapes range from mountains <\/strong>to scenic rivers<\/strong>, so you’ll always have a nice view to soak in. The rich cultural heritage of the Ozarks, vibrant arts scenes, and welcoming community spirit make Arkansas ideal for families and professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCourtesy of Arkansas Tourism (Pictured: Little Rock, Arkansas)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n% of the National Average Cost of Living<\/strong><\/td>89%<\/td><\/tr> Median Home Price<\/strong><\/td>$246,000<\/td><\/tr> Median Monthly Rent<\/strong><\/td>$868<\/td><\/tr> Average Salary<\/strong><\/td>$69,310<\/td><\/tr> Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>3.4%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are our findings of hard-to-believe median home prices: West Memphis, $145,7000; Blytheville, $110,000; and Helena-West Helena, $91,900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a predominantly rural state<\/strong>, Arkansas has limited job opportunities and lacks the amenities of more urbanized states. Natural disasters like tornadoes and flooding are also legitimate causes of concern. Before you pack up to move to Arkansas, consider the high state income and local sales taxes<\/strong> (and how those will impact your monthly budgets). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Iowa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Iowa residents enjoy spacious housing<\/strong> and stellar cycling trails. Known for its friendly communities, highly-rated schools, low traffic, robust economy, and strong farm-to-table philosophy<\/strong>, it belongs on our list of the top-rated states with a low cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCourtesy of Des Moines (Pictured: Des Moines, Iowa) <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n% of the National Average Cost of Living<\/strong><\/td>90.3%<\/td><\/tr> Median Home Price<\/strong><\/td>$289,900<\/td><\/tr> Median Monthly Rent<\/strong><\/td>$9143<\/td><\/tr> Average Salary<\/strong><\/td>$62,260<\/td><\/tr> Unemployment Rate<\/strong><\/td>2.8%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can find affordable median home prices in places like Waterloo ($174,900), Burlington ($134,500), Fort Madison ($114,900), and Keokuk ($82,500).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Iowa isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t offer much landscape variety, and rural life only appeals to certain personalities. Plus, you’ll have to prepare for every kind of natural disaster<\/strong>, along with dangerous winters and hot, humid summers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n#9: Nebraska<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Landmarks like Chimney Rock, Carhenge, and The Pony Express Trail aren’t the only things Nebraska is known for. Here, you’ll find more than just affordable living — but a quality education for your children and family-friendly neighborhoods<\/a>, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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