The U.S. inflation rate rose 3% between January 2024 and January 2025, increasing already high prices for basic goods and services. If you’re looking for ways to save money and you’re willing to relocate, here are the top 25 cities with the lowest cost of living in the country.
1. Decatur, Illinois: 20.2%
2. Harlingen, Texas: 17.8%
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 17.6%
4. Kokomo, Indiana: 16.2%
5. Florence, Alabama: 16%
6. Jonesboro, Arkansas: 16%
7. Amarillo, Texas: 16%
8. Kalamazoo, Michigan: 15.8%
9. Conway, Arkansas: 15.7%
10. Charleston, West Virginia: 15.2%
11. Anniston, Alabama: 15.1%
12. Decatur/Hartselle, Alabama: 15%
13. McAllen, Texas: 14.9%
14. Des Moines, Iowa: 14.8%
15. Joplin, Missouri: 14.8%
16. Augusta-Aiken, Georgia/South Carolina: 14.7%
17. Tulsa, Oklahoma: 14.6%
18. Knoxville, Tennessee: 14.1%
19. Columbia, South Carolina: 13%
20. Dothan, Alabama: 12.3%
21. Lake Charles, Louisiana: 12.3%
22. Chattanooga, Tennessee: 12.2%
23. Jackson-Madison County, Tennessee: 12.2%
24. Corpus Christi, Texas: 11.8%
25. Temple, Texas: 11.7%
What Factors Determined this List?
This ranking was based on data from 90,000 prices on 60 various items to identify the cost-of-living expenses in hundreds of urban areas with a population of at least 50,000. Cost of living is the total amount of money needed to cover basic necessities such as housing, food, healthcare, taxes, and transportation. And location truly does make a huge difference! This same study found the cost of living in Manhattan, New York to be more than twice the national average, making it much more expensive to live there.
No matter where you decide to call home, it’s important to have adequate home insurance coverage. Speak with a Westwood agent today to review your home policy and ensure you have the protection you need.
Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
