catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Cheapest Places to Live

By Editorial Staff

cheapest places to liveContributed by Info Guru Bryce Hammons

In his Forbes.com article, “Best Places to Live Cheaply,” Daniel Fisher writes about the cheapest places to live in the U.S.

Combining criteria of cheap housing, low cost of living, low violent crime rate, school quality, and low unemployment, Fisher pinpointed ten top spots throughout the country.

Data from Economy.com, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was combined with the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Affordability Index in order to compile Fisher’s list.

Before you continue reading about the Cheapest Places to Live there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!


10. Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana

Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana

Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana, finds itself at number ten with a median housing price of $103,000 and an unemployment rate of 10.2 percent. With a GreatSchools rating of 6 out of 10 and the median income at $58,600, Elkhart-Goshen finds itself as a safe and affordable option for the even the most cost-conscious citizens.

9. Wheeling, W. Va.-Oh.

Wheeling, W. Va.-Oh.

With the compilation of the list, certain cities found their way into the top ten due to better schools and/or lower crime rates while others fell out thanks to abnormally high crime/low school scores. Wheeling found its way onto Fisher’s list, despite being ranked 21st on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Affordability Index, due to a low crime rate and extremely high ranking schools.

8. Springfield, Ohio

Springfield, Ohio

With a beautiful median home price in the $73,000 range, Springfield, Ohio, makes an appearance at number eight on Forbes’ list. They have a medium income of $56,800, a low crime rate, and an unemployment rate hovering around 8.9.

7. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska

For those looking to get away from it all and find solace in the natural beauty of Alaska, the city of Fairbanks may fit the bill. A look at the $216,000 median home price might turn away potential home buyers, but low property taxes plus a large inventory of homes around the median level price actually give the city a very high affordability index score.

6. Pocatello, Idaho

 Pocatello, Idaho

With an unemployment rate hovering around 9 percent and a median housing price of $108,000, Pocatello, Idaho, ranks sixth on the list. Nestled in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Pocatello is home to Idaho State University, 32 parks, beautiful golf courses, hiking trails, the Pocatello Zoo, and more for those adventurous types.

5. Bay City, Michigan

Bay City, Michigan

Bay City describes itself as a major entertainment and recreational center; it’s located near the Saginaw Bay and is known as a top spot for commerce, industry, and government. As well, with low unemployment and even lower median housing prices, Bay City offers a little bit of everything for the prospective buyer.

4. Kokomo, Indiana

Kokomo, Indiana

Kokomo is a place filled with rich automotive history and inventive technology breakthroughs. Coined as the “City of Firsts,” the beautiful and quaint Kokomo offers:

• Violent crime rate – 300 per 100,000 residents
• Median house price – $88,000
• Median income – $61,400
• Unemployment rate – 9.6 percent

3. Cumberland-Md.-Wv.

Cumberland-Md.-Wv.

Cumberland, Maryland, sits within 150 miles of bigger cities such as Pittsburg, Baltimore, and Washington. A beautiful spot with good schools, low unemployment, and a median house price of $81,000, it makes its way onto the Forbes’ list as a strong contender for the top spot.

2. Monroe, Michigan

Monroe, Michigan

In Monroe, the NAHB estimates that 97.8 percent of homes are affordable to median-income families. Thus, the city provides high paying jobs and a median house price of $101,000. With a low crime and unemployment rate, Monroe offers the best of low cost living.

1. Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky is one of the cheapest (and best) places to live in the country. It’s a city which provides million dollar water views, a low crime rate, and some highly rated schools to boot. Despite some of the amenities, Sandusky has one of the most affordable housing markets available.

Add in solid schools in the area, an incredibly low unemployment rate, and a crime rate which is half the national average, and you’ve got yourself a great place to raise a family, live on the cheap, and find a place to truly settle down.

Resources:

Forbes.com: Best Places To Live Cheaply (slideshow).

Popular Savings Offers

Yahoo News: Best Places To Live Cheaply (article).

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.