Are you wondering which are the cheapest red states to live in?
Deciding where to put down roots can be a challenging decision for many.
Factors like quality of life job opportunities and cost of living can significantly influence that choice.
Does the political leaning of a state correlate with the cost of living?
You might be surprised by the answer.
Where can affordability and conservative values merge?
Cheapest Red States:
Want to live affordably? Consider the red states.
Mississippi Alabama and more offer a lower cost of living. The cheapest red states to live in include Wyoming with a lower unemployment rate Arkansas with an index below the national average and Oklahoma with a low income tax rate.
Other affordable options are Alabama Mississippi Missouri Kentucky Idaho Tennessee and North Dakota.
Cost Of Living In Mississippi
You pay less living in Mississippi which is much cheaper than the national average. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research the cost of living index in Mississippi is 85.9.
The National Association of Realtors’ Affordability Distribution Score also supports affordable housing. The cost of living in Mississippi is 15.6% lower than the average.
Healthcare costs are affordable too leading to a cost of living score of 41 out of 50.
Affordable States: Oklahoma
Oklahoma fondly known as the Sooner State is one of the cheapest red states to live in America. With a home median value at a mere $134400 it’s really hard to beat the housing affordability here.
The state offers low living costs compared to the national scale. In fact the cost of living in Oklahoma is a whopping 13% lower than the national average.
This marvelously affordable lifestyle is all thanks to categories like transportation groceries health care and housing affordability.
To give you a glimpse of the affordability status in Oklahoma here are some key metrics:
- 12-pack soda: $4.33
- Loaf of bread: $1.48
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $750
- Gallon of Gas: $2.56
Apart from being affordable Oklahoma is rich in culture with deep Native American roots and it’s famous for its cowboy culture.
Low Cost Of Living: Kansas
The affordability of Kansas also known as the Hawkeye State is quite commendable. This heartland state with vast expanses of farmland has a cost of living that’s 12.7% below the national average.
Residents in Kansas enjoy low costs of utilities health-care transportation and groceries. More notably housing in cities like Topeka and Wichita is considerably affordable.
Take a look at some average prices in Kansas:
- 12-pack soda: $4.61
- Loaf of bread: $1.37
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $830
- Gallon of Gas: $2.55
Best of all in Kansas you’ll never run out of things to do. From music festivals to rodeo shows to winter sports there’s always something for everyone.
Budget-Friendly Living In Alabama
One of the cheapest red states to live in is Alabama. This state hosts a low average home price of $142700 considerably lower than many other states.
The cost of living in Alabama is about 12.1% lower than the national average signifying less expenditure on goods services and housing.
Alabama’s state sales tax rate is another factor that adds to its affordability standing at just 4%. This results in lower costs for groceries utilities and miscellaneous goods.
Being a red state in America’s heartland also translate to significantly lower housing market prices when compared to more expensive states.
The real estate market’s affordable listings enable many to comfortably live within their income avoiding a looming housing affordability crisis.
The low cost doesn’t compromise the culture with Alabama rich with Native American roots cowboy culture and a love for sports and music.
A budget-friendly choice Alabama captures the spirit of affordability and offers a rich lifestyle that’s hard to beat.