Living in a large city is fun. There are plenty of resources to use and fun attractions. Unfortunately, in most cases, living in such a location is also awfully expensive. This makes it cost prohibitive for many families or young adults looking to get ahead. In a recent discussion online, people shared cheaper alternatives to New York, Los Angeles, and other major metro areas that still have plenty to offer. Here are 15 of their top recommendations.
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Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is one of the most affordable places to live in America. Its cost of living is 17 percent below the national average.
Even better, houses are 50 percent less than the national average.
Tulsa is a diverse city with many different cultures and cuisines. Its public school system is highly rated and there’s a lot to do. The Jazz Hall of Fame is just one of them. There’s also a good aquarium and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is one of the country’s best.
There’s a lot of history here, too. And not all of it good – the Tulsa Race Massacre was here and there are some moving memorials to that tragic event.
Asheville, North Carolina
The cost of living in Asheville is right at the national average, making it far more affordable than New York City or Los Angeles. If you’re trying to figure out how to make a budget for buying a house, you’ll have an easier go of it here.
One person says they love Ashville because, “It’s home, and I love being in the mountains. I even like all the tourists that come visit us.”
Bloomington, Indiana
The average price of a home in this midwestern city is only $275,000. Compare that to the multimillion dollar homes in Los Angeles and San Francisco and you’ll have plenty of money leftover to enjoy life here.
One person says Bloomington is, “quaint, liberal and more environmentally aware than the rest of Indiana.”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Money management for recent grads is good in Milwaukee. Home to an NBA team and Major League Baseball team, Milwaukee is known for its affordable cost of living, beer and outdoor activities. It has been named one of the most affordable metro areas for first-time home buyers.
The median home price in Milwaukee is just $115,500.
South Bend, Indiana
This midwestern city and home to the famous University of Notre Dame makes multiple lists of best, most affordable cities to live in.
The cost of living here is 4% lower than the state average and 14% lower than the national average.
Glen Arbor, Michigan
This gem has been named one of America’s must visit cities. But what makes it worth moving to is its affordability. It has been named as one of the most affordable places to visit.
One person said what they love about Glen Arbor is, “it is amazing in the summer months, but quaint, quiet and magical in the winter, too.”
Omaha, Nebraska
Are you looking for a Midwestern city that gets all four seasons? Omaha is a terrific location to consider.
Housing is 16 percent lower than other major metros. Cost of living is seven percent lower. There are plenty of things to enjoy in Omaha, from its world famous Henry Doorly Zoo, the College World Series, and the arts, you won’t be wanting for entertainment options.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Nashville might be pricing some people out, but Knoxville isn’t too far away and is still a beautiful and affordable place to live. The Great Smoky Mountains are nearby, as is the University of Tennessee.
Buying a home here won’t set you back; you can snag one for around $335,000.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home to the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, this city consistently makes best of lists for affordability and quality of life. With a bustling metropolis nearby and a diverse job market, there’s plenty of work here. It also has many restaurants and is a great place for families.
The median price for a home here is just $222,000.
Cleveland, Ohio
One person gushed about this affordable metro, saying, “I’ve been all over the lower 48 and have lived in a few different regions and my (adopted) home city of Cleveland is my favorite….We have a great variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, cool little ethnic neighborhoods, Lake Erie and all the awesome things that come along with that – nice museums, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Metro Parks…I really do love it here.”
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Do you want the fun of a big city without the extra cost? Minneapolis is one fantastic location to consider. Home to the Mall of America, the city has plenty of area to offer.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has lots of outdoor attractions to offer along with a thriving art scene. Plus, St. Paul is super close. Cost of living in Minneapolis is two percent the national average and housing is nine percent cheaper.
Louisville, Kentucky
The people racing horses in the Kentucky Derby can afford to live anywhere, but the beautiful thing about this home to the race is that anyone can afford to live here.
Louisville has an abundance of walking trails and nature views. Plus, it has a low cost of living. The median price of a home here is just $163,000.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the appealing factors about moving to Albuquerque is its low state income tax. It ranks more than 30% below the national average. Overall cost of living is below the national average in this desert city nicknamed, “The Land of Magic.”
Greenville, South Carolina
Seated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, Greenville is home to plenty of restaurants, unique shops and beautiful natural areas. You can enjoy plenty to do outdoors and in the city here.
And best of all, the cost of living here is below the national average.
Des Moines, Iowa
Cost of living in Des Moines is lower than other areas of America, nearly 15 percent to be exact. Des Moines boasts an eclectic cultural scene and numerous major universities.
The city is good both for young families and retirees alike. It has a low unemployment rate, and state of the art healthcare facilities that focus on providing aging related services.
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m Nicole Schmoll – a master’s-educated professional writer, mompreneur, and co-founder of Frugal Rules.
As a freelance copywriter in Omaha, I still believe that writing is an artistic expression. Every time I strike the keys, I intend to evoke a response from my listeners. I left my full-time career as a senior copywriter for an insurance agency to start my own freelance writing business.
I love watching and writing about TV (and how to stream it!)
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