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Top 7 Cheapest States To Live in: States With Low Cost of Living in 2024

Dozens of states have a cost of living significantly lower than the national average. Picking the right one for you makes it easier to live and save money.
Cheapest States To Live In - Moving APT

The cheapest states to live in in 2024 include popular favorites and unexpected surprises. From the spacious plains of Iowa to the hustle and bustle of Tennessee and even the lush landscapes of West Virginia, many states in the US have a low cost of living.

Some move for work and others move to save money on everyday expenses; whatever your reason for moving, picking a state with the lowest cost of living can maximize your savings and make it more affordable to hire national moving companies.

Not sure which state is the cheapest to live in for your needs? No problem. 

The 7 Cheapest States To Live In 2024

Check out our detailed reviews of the best states to live in in the US with the lowest cost of living. Chosen based on housing prices, population, potential income earnings, and more, these states offer the best of both worlds – quality lifestyle and affordability.

In this article

1. West Virginia

West Virginia - Cheapest States To Live

Over 75% of West Virginia is covered in forests, creating a beautiful and tranquil landscape that is super affordable. With a low population density (1.7 million people total) and a median home price of $112,000, there is plenty of space to explore for great deals on housing.

Maintaining an unemployment rate under 4%, West Virginia offers plenty of job opportunities in the manufacturing and energy industries – with residents earning a median household income of just under $50,000.

While this salary may or may not seem like not much, the low monthly cost of living for rent ($600-$1000), utilities (<$300), and groceries ($400-$700) mean residents in West Virginia can really stretch their dollar for a comfortable upper-class lifestyle no matter where they live.

2. Kansas

Kansas - Cheapest States To Live

Kansas is perfect for those who want to experience life in the Midwest but don’t want to break their budget. With almost 3 million people living in the state, it is not overly crowded yet offers plenty of job opportunities, with a median household income of $61,000 and an unemployment rate of 2.8%.

The average cost of housing in Kansas is $146,000, which is incredibly low compared to other states. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to purchase a property rather than rent one. And when it comes to monthly costs, utilities and groceries will only set you back a few hundred dollars, while rent averages around $900 – $1,200, depending on the city.

3. Iowa

Iowa - Cheapest States To Live

Nestled in the heart of the U.S., Iowa is a great place to live if you want to save money while still living in the Midwest. The population of 3.1 million makes it one of the least populous states in the country, but it also offers plenty of job opportunities, with a median household income of $60,000 and an unemployment rate of just 4.2%.

The median housing price in Iowa is a mere $188,000, making it affordable to buy a property for personal or commercial use.

Monthly costs are also low, with utilities averaging around $100-$300 per month and groceries costing anywhere from $400 – $650, depending on where you live. Rent is usually about $800 -$1300.

4. Tennessee

Tennessee - Cheapest States To Live

Tennessee is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the South at an affordable price. With 6.9 million people living in the state, it offers plenty of job opportunities with an unemployment rate of 3.5%.

The median household income here is $55,000, providing a comfortable lifestyle when combined with the low cost of living.

The median housing price in Tennessee is $250,000, and considering the generous square footage of the homes here, you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Utilities average $100-$300 per month, groceries cost anywhere from $400 – $650 depending on where you live, and rent runs at an average of $900-$1200.

5. Indiana

Indiana - Cheapest States To Live

As the 17th most populous state in the union, Indiana offers plenty of great living options for any budget. With a median household income of $58,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%, it’s no wonder the state is becoming increasingly popular with those looking for an affordable lifestyle.

The median housing price in Indiana is only $139,000, which makes it one of the most affordable places to purchase property – especially if it is your first home. The cost of living varies by city, with metropolitan areas like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne being more expensive. 

In general, utilities run around $100 – $300 per month, groceries cost anywhere from $400 – $650, and rent averages around $800 -$2000, depending on the city you settle in.

6. North Carolina

North Carolina - Cheapest States To Live

North Carolina is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for those looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle. With almost 10 million people living in the state, it still offers plenty of job opportunities and has a median household income of $56,000. The unemployment rate is also low at 3.8%.

The cost of housing in North Carolina is only slightly below the national average ($370K), but with the number of waterfront properties available along the coast, it can be great value for the money.

Utilities average around $100-$300 per month and groceries cost anywhere from $400 – $650, depending on where you live. Rent is usually around $900 -$1800.

7. Mississippi

Mississippi - Cheapest States To Live

Mississippi is an often overlooked state when it comes to budget living, but it offers some of the most affordable housing in the country. With a population of 2.9 million people, it has plenty of job opportunities, with a median household income of $41,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%.

The median housing price in Mississippi is about $139,000, which makes it incredibly affordable to purchase a property (or two).

Rent is even more affordable, averaging around $600 -$800 per month. Utilities are usually around $100-$300 per month, and groceries cost anywhere from $400 – $650, depending on where you live.

Why Move to One of the Cheapest States in the USA?

Choosing a cheaper state to live in is beneficial for many reasons. First, lower housing prices and utility costs allow for a better quality of life with more disposable income. This can mean taking more vacations, investing in the stock market, or saving for retirement. 

Additionally, living in an affordable state means you don’t have to worry about cutting down on your lifestyle due to high housing costs.

For those working remotely or as digital nomads, finding the cheapest states to live in is an especially important factor. 

With overhead costs like rent and utilities much lower in these areas, you can keep more of your income for yourself. This makes it easier to travel and live a life of freedom without worrying about money.

How to Move from State-to-State?

Once you’ve chosen from the best states to live in, next comes planning the move. Many find that hiring state-to-state movers offers a hassle-free moving experience that can save time and money. To find the best mover for your relocation, always:

  • Verify licensing & insurance. All state-to-state movers should have a valid USDOT number, as well as liability and cargo insurance. This is a federally mandated requirement, and movers unable or unwilling to verify their information aren’t worth your time and money.
  • Get multiple quotes & compare services. Shop around for different companies, and make sure to ask about additional fees or packing costs excluded from the initial quote process.
  • Read reviews & ask for references. Check with friends and family, as well as online resources like the Better Business Bureau, to make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.
  • Choose in-home estimates. Getting free online moving quotes is beneficial for getting a ballpark estimate, but nothing beats an in-home consultation. Ask the movers to come and assess your belongings before providing you with an accurate final estimate.

By researching and verifying the information above, you can ensure a long-distance move goes smoothly and without any unexpected surprises or fees that cut into initial living costs.

How Much Does Moving to a New State Cost?

Moving from state to state can cost from $1000 to $12000 and up, depending on the distance, size of your move, and type of items being moved. Even moving to the most affordable states can cost thousands – especially if you don’t know what to expect pricing-wise.

Since you’ll be crossing state lines to move to a more affordable state, the move will be deemed long-distance and charged a flat rate per mile traveled and pound transported. 

Average Cost of Moving Long Distance:

Type of Service 1 Bedroom 2-3 Bedrooms 4-5 Bedrooms
DIY/Truck Rental $400 – $2300 $750 – $4150 $1500 – $4900
Moving Container $700 – $2800 $1100 – $4950 $2300 – $7800
Full Service $1200 – $3800 $1700 – $8700 $3400 – $15200

How to Save Money While Moving to a New State

To get the best prices for a move to the cheapest states to live, consider booking in the off-peak moving season between October and April when demand is low. 

These months can see as much as a 30% decrease in total moving costs – putting extra money in your pocket for when you arrive at your new home.

Additionally, sourcing second-hand packing supplies from online forums, local retailers, or even friends and family can save you a few hundred dollars. There are plenty of places to find gently used boxes, tape, and bubble wrap for your move without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to move state-to-state?

The timeline of your state-to-state move will depend on the size and distance of the move. Generally, moving companies can complete a 1-bedroom home move in 2 days, while 3-4 bedroom homes may take up to 7 days, depending on the circumstances.

Are there any extra fees for moving long-distance?

Long-distance moves are typically charged a flat rate per mile and pound transported. However, additional charges (access fees) can be added to the total cost if extra manpower, time, or equipment is needed.

How much does it cost to move to a new state?

The cost to move to a new state will depend on the size of your home and distance traveled, as well as any extra services or packing materials needed. On average, long-distance moves of 1000 miles or more can cost between $4,000 and $7,000.

How much are packing services for long-distance moves?

Packing services can range from $200 to $700, depending on the size of your home and type of packing materials needed. Your long distance moving company or packing service provider should be able to provide you with an accurate quote for their services.

Live Your Best Life In The Cheapest States To Live

Moving to one of the cheapest states to live in the US can be a great way to save money. With careful planning, research, and budgeting, you’ll be able to find the best price for your move while also setting yourself up financially for a successful transition into your new home.

Laura Roberts

Laura Roberts

Laura is a veteran content and copywriter for 12 years, with a degree in English Literature from Canadian ivy league McGill University. Having written for media and software and all things technology-focused, manufacturing, real estate, transportation, fintech, economics, politics, and freight factoring, this writing expert’s moved over 5 times locally and internationally and knows just what a complex move made easy is all about.
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