The high cost of living in some states is one of the top reasons to move elsewhere. The World Population Review analyzed the cost of living in all 50 states to find out the most affordable places to live this year. The cost of living index is determined by the cost of housing, food, healthcare, and taxes.
The cost index is based on a national average of 100. Any state that falls below 100 means that the cost of living is lower than the nation’s average. States that are ranked above 100 means that the cost of living is much higher than the average.
If you are thinking of moving to another state, here are some of your best options.
1. Mississippi
The Magnolia state has been ranked as the least expensive state, with an average cost of living falling 19 percent lower compared to the average cost of living. The living wage in the state is only $48,537. Rent can cost as low as $795 a month, compared to New York City where a two-bedroom apartment can cost as much as $4,000.
Child care in Mississippi is also the cheapest in the U.S., costing only $2,869 a year. Mississippi also has the cheapest food, health care and other necessities, compared to other states.
2. Arkansas
Despite being ranked only as the second cheapest state, Arkansas has the lowest housing cost in the nation. Residents only spend an average of $708 a month on rent or mortgages. The median home costs around $128,800.
It comes to no surprise that the second cheapest state also pays the second-lowest salary in the nation. The living wage in the state is $49,970, but food, travel, utilities and other expenses are quite low compared to other states.
3. Oklahoma
Like Mississipi and Arkansas, the housing cost in Oklahoma is one of the lowest in the nation. The average home price in the state is around $124,800, while the rent for a two-bedroom apartment can cost around $740.
Oklahoma residents also pay some of the lowest gas prices. Grocery and utility costs are also quite low. The overall cost of living in the state is 15.4 percent below the national average, according to the analysis by the World Population Review.
4. Missouri
Real estate prices in Missouri, particularly in Joplin, are also some of the lowest in the nation. Prospective home owners can buy a four-bedroom house for as low as $200,000. Groceries are also among the cheapest in the nation. Joplin residents only have to pay $1.32 for a dozen eggs.
The overall cost of living varies from city to city. In Springfield, the cost of living falls 14.1 percent below the national average. In Joplin, the cost of living is 17.7 percent below the average.
5. New Mexico
In the fifth cheapest state in the nation, groceries costs nearly the same as the national average. Residents, however, pay less in utilities and housing compared to other states.
The median home costs an average of $193,200. Rent for a two-bedroom home costs around $762 a month. In the southern part of the state, residents pay less for transportation, healthcare and utilities compared to other states.
6. Tennessee
The living wage in Tennessee is much higher compared to five cheapest states. The average salary in the sixth cheapest state is around $50,152. The average housing cost, however, is also higher at $810. Libertarians might like to move to Tennessee because it has no state income tax.
In Morristown, the cost of living is 13 percent below the national average. Food costs are quite low, but utility costs are around or slightly above the national average.
7. Michigan
Food costs in the seventh cheapest state are relatively low compared to other states. A pound of beef can cost as low as $3.78. The average cost of a house is $161,063, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs $915 a month. The lowest housing cost in the state can be found in Detroit, with a median home value of $48,188.
8. Kansas
The overall cost of living in Kansas is around 8.74 percent below the national average. The average household income can reach $41,644. Groceries are relatively cheap. Residents pay $1.39 for a half-gallon of milk and $3.79 for a pound of ground beef. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs $821 a month while the average housing costs are around $137,700.
9. Georgia
The utility cost in the ninth-cheapest state is one of the highest in the nation, but groceries and gas are cheaper compared to other states. Rent is quite low, with the exception of Atlanta, where rent is slightly above the national average. The median home value in the state is around $180,679, while the average household income is $56,183.
10. Alabama
Taxes in Alabama are quite high, but housing costs are lower than the national average. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs around $698. The median home value falls around $129,300. The average living wage in the state is $50,585, which is lower than some of the states ranked higher on the list.