The global supply chain was hit during the pandemic, many economies suffered and the US was one of them. Inflation was on the rise and living costs increased substantially within a short span. Currently, in 2024, the economy is recovering, inflation has come down, and trends are suggestive of stability. However, living costs are still high, many people are migrating to other states in search of economical and quality living.
Are you also planning to move? We've compiled a list of the 10 cheapest states to live in the US in 2024. This blog will give you a fair insight into the living costs in these top 10 states. You can compare the living costs to make a sound decision. Let's explore!
Top 10 Cheapest States to Live in the US in 2024
US states differ widely in terms of living costs due to taxes, housing, employment, and various other factors. Larger states with metropolitan cities and industrial hubs have been popular as prospective states, but very exuberant living costs are affecting the quality of life there. People with median income are moving out of these states in search of balance between quality life and budget. Here's an outlook of the 10 cheapest states in the US IN 2024:
West Virginia
West Virginia, the mountain state tops our list with the cheapest living costs in 2024. The living expenses are 12% less than the national average in West Virginia. It has the most affordable housing, groceries, and utilities. The bread is very cheap here, the state is 1.24 times less expensive than the US average.
You can buy a home in West Virginia for $155,400 on average. The rent for a decent apartment is somewhere around $980 only. However, West Virginia is considered a poor state with over 20% of residents struggling to make ends meet. The hourly wage of $25.10 in West Virginia is the third lowest in the US.
Iowa
Iowa, the state on the banks of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, is very affordable to live in 2024. It has an agriculture-based economy and offers cheap housing and affordable groceries. You can buy a dozen eggs for just $4.44 in Iowa. The state also has one of the most affordable public transportation infrastructure.
You can easily find a home to live in Keokuk, Oelwein, and Burlington. All these cities are affordable and peaceful. The average house costs about $205,375, and if you rent an apartment, it'll be around $1,050 per month. Being in the midwest, the state has a high risk of storms, tornadoes, and even fires.
Michigan
The top third cheapest state in the US in 2024 is Michigan, the state with natural wonders and beautiful freshwater coasts. It has affordable housing, insurance, and utilities. The living costs are 4% less than the national average. You can get half a gallon of milk for $4.84 and the annual homeowner insurance will cost you $905.
Is Kalamazoo your favorite city in Michigan? You can rent a house there for about $837 per month on average. The houses in Michigan sell for $218,700 on average, the price is 35.3% less than the national average.
Ohio
Ohio is cheap in terms of food and grocery expenses, housing costs, and insurance charges. The midwestern state has the lowest rents in the US, you can get a two-bed apartment for $921 a month on average. If you shop at a grocery store in Ohio, your total bill will be 5% less than the national average.
The utility costs are slightly high in Ohio but affordable when compared to income ranges. The average monthly electric bill is $200.81. The state is also worst hit by storms, still, the overall homeowner insurance expense is $845 per year on average.
Illinois
Illinois can be cheaper and more expensive at the same time. The metropolitan Chicago is one of the largest and most expensive US cities in Illinois. The state is home to 12.5 million people with bustling cities and vast agricultural lands. Most people like the lifestyle and amenities that Illinois offers. The housing is affordable compared to other similar states, you can get a home for $234,951 on average. The rent for a two-bed apartment is $1,107 on average.
The homeowner insurance in Illinois is under $1000, but it is expected to increase by the end of 2024. Moreover, grocery and food are affordable, the Chicago-style pizza is cheaper in Illinois than anywhere else. The average monthly grocery expense for a family is $1,152.
Indiana
Indiana is one of the most business-friendly states in the US with affordable living costs and growth opportunities. You can enjoy affordable healthcare costs, housing, and basic necessities. The best thing about Indiana is its ample recreational activities and national parks. You can own a house in Indiana for about $215,818 on average. The average rent for two-bed apartments is around $1000.
Indiana and Illinois living expenses are quite the same. However, utility costs in Indiana can be a little higher. You can choose between both states, but Indiana has the advantage of beautiful national parks.
Pennsylvania
As we go down the list, we're getting close to the national average in terms of living expenses. The living costs in Pennsylvania state are equal to the national average. However, the state is affordable in terms of housing, insurance, and utility costs. A new home will cost you around $427,500 on average. The homeowner insurance expense is $807, cheaper than in many other states.
The average monthly electric bill in Pennsylvania is $210.10. If you love eating out or buying excess groceries, Pennsylvania can be expensive. The consumer price index is up by 3.8% recently.
Missouri
Missouri may sound expensive but it’s quite cheaper when it comes to food and grocery. You can enjoy eating at a fast food restaurant and pay 36% less than someone eating out in Boston. The grocery will cost you 5% less than the national average. If you want to move to a city like Kansas, the average home costs about $440,210. The homeowner insurance will be around $1,257. Now you may decide whether Missouri is cheap or not!
Kansas
Kansas is 9th on the list yet it can be your home state due to affordable housing. When buying a house in Manhattan, KS you can expect a price tag of $395,394. The city is more peaceful than Manhattan in New York. The state is at high risk of tornadoes, severe storms, and wildfires and insurance is expensive.
The grocery bill in Kansas is 9% lower than the national average. You can expect half a gallon of milk for $4.79 only, it’s way less than New York and California.
Wisconsin
The last state on our list of top 10 cheapest states is Wisconsin. It’s costly but not expensive, the quality of life is good and there are ample opportunities for career and growth. You can plan on moving to a city like Madison where a good house will cost $520,565 on average. Luckily, beer is cheap in Wisconsin and groceries are affordable.
The living costs in Wisconsin are 1% less than the national average. The major contributing factor to these costs is utility bills, especially energy charges which can be $226.90 per month on average.
How to Save Living Costs in the US in 2024
Relocation may seem to be the best option to save living costs, but there are also ways to afford a good lifestyle without needing to change your address.
1. Planning
Always plan a budget for all the expenses on your payday. When you have a budget in mind, you’ll not overspend and be in the limits. It’ll be easy to make ends meet.
2. Art of Downsizing
We often have excess things which can be a burden on the budget. For instance, you may have two TV subscriptions when you can fulfill your needs with one. Check where you can save money by downsizing.
3. Finding Alternatives
There are always better and cheaper alternatives to expensive things that you use. When going grocery shopping, try to remember the things you need, not the brand names. It will help you save money.
4. Energy Efficiency
Energy costs are very high wherever you live in the US. You must conserve energy to save on electric expenses. The best way is to opt for energy-efficient appliances and electronics.
Eliminate Electricity Expenses with Solar Generator Kit
Electric expenses are a major contributing factor in living costs across the US. The expensive electricity rates and additional taxes and charges make electric bills unaffordable. The solar generator kit is the ultimate solution to reduce and eliminate electric expenses. Let's explore some hi-tech solar generator kits that you can buy:
BLUETTI AC200MAX+2*B230+3*PV200D Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200MAX+2*B230/2*B300+3*PV200D Solar Generator Kit is an efficient alternative to grid supply. It allows you to access clean and cheap solar energy to power your house. The solar generator kit has an expandable capacity of 6,144Wh to 8,192Wh. It comes with long-lasting LiFePO4 battery packs that ensure 24/7 power availability. You can fast recharge battery packs with 1400W dual AC+Solar recharge.
The solar generator kit is completed with BLUETTI PV200D Solar Panels 200W which has highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells. The solar panels have an ETFE coating and IP65 rating for protection against rough weather. The overall built quality is durable for long-lasting use. You can control and monitor the solar generator kit using the BLUETTI mobile app. It comes with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
BLUETTI AC300+B300 Home Battery Backup
The BLUETTI AC300+B300 Home Battery Backup is a high-capacity power solution for homes. It has an expandable capacity of 3,072Wh to 12,288Wh. The solar generator kit uses advanced LiFePO4 battery packs to store power. The battery technology is highly durable and reliable. The solar kit has a UPS feature to provide uninterruptible power and ensure seamless connectivity. You can use dual recharging mode for fast recharge with 5,400W Max input.
The solar generator kit also has a multi-recharge facility for added convenience. You can control and monitor the system using the BLUETTI mobile application, the power station also has a digital control panel. Additionally, you can combine the BLUETTI AC300+B300 Home Battery Backup with BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panels. The panels are efficient and have a high conversion rate. The overall design is compact and foldable for easy storage. You can use a built-in kickstand to set up the panels and use them.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have a complete picture of the cheapest states in the US. Although their living costs are lower, there are other factors like job opportunities, quality living, and accessibility that may affect your relocation decision. You can compare costs and analyze different factors concerning your situation to make a sound decision.
