As rent soars in many cities and the cost of living takes away much of the “living,” people are looking for places with cheaper necessities. With affordable rent, unique local attractions, and access to outdoor recreation, you can go a lot further on a $1,500 budget in these 20 American cities.
Ames, Iowa
According to Niche, “Living in Ames offers residents an urban, suburban mix feel, and most residents rent their homes.” In addition to many top career opportunities, the area is laced with must-try restaurants, breweries, and wineries, along with various crowd-pleasers, such as beautiful outdoor art, dozens of parks, and miles of bike trails. All of this comes with an average monthly rent of about $700.
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton boasts a low cost of living, with a median rent of around $550 monthly. Nestled near the Wichita Mountains, the city provides easy access to hiking, camping, and lakes. Lawton is also home to Cameron University and Fort Sill military base, driving its economy.
Tallahassee, Florida
Located in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is the largest city in the region. As Florida’s capital, Tallahassee offers a mix of southern charm and college-town energy, and is home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University. With median rent at $800, it’s an affordable place to enjoy warm weather, parks, and events.
Davenport, Iowa
With average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at just $620 per month, Davenport offers affordable living along the Mississippi River. This vibrant city features a revitalized downtown, cultural attractions like the Figge Art Museum, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
El Paso, Texas
El Paso’s warm climate and low cost of living make it an attractive option. Median rent is around $700 per month. The city’s rich Hispanic heritage shines through its food, festivals, and architecture, and Franklin Mountains State Park is a draw for outdoor lovers.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is becoming a popular relocation spot for its affordability, safety, and access to nature. It offers many benefits, such as plenty of small-town charm, a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, and affordable housing—rent for a one-bedroom is about $800 a month. Trails in the Greenbelt along the river offer impressive seasonal views and outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to skiing and hiking in the mountains.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville’s revitalized downtown features a riverside park, a minor league baseball stadium, and many restaurants and shops. With an average rent of around $700, the city offers affordable living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Rochester, New York
Rochester has a median rent of $700 and provides a four-season climate near the Finger Lakes region. The city is home to major universities and companies like Kodak and Xerox. Residents enjoy parks, museums, wineries, and nearby ski resorts.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, known as “Rocket City” for its aerospace industry, has a median rent of $700. The city offers museums, parks, craft breweries, and easy access to hiking trails. It’s also home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville offers a college-town atmosphere and a low cost of living. Median rent is around $600. The city features trails, farmers’ markets, live music, and a charming downtown square.
Akron, Ohio
Once a central manufacturing hub, Akron now offers affordable living with a median rent of around $600. The revitalized downtown features cultural attractions and the University of Akron. Residents enjoy metro parks, golf courses, and ski resorts nearby.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo offers a vibrant downtown with restaurants, breweries, museums, and minor league sports teams. Rent for a one-bedroom averages $600 per month. The city is home to Western Michigan University and is surrounded by inland lakes.
Morgantown, West Virginia
Stretched along the banks of the Monongahela River near the Appalachian foothills and home to West Virginia University, visitors and residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities at nearby rivers, valleys, mountains, and lakes. The charming downtown, with rents around $700 a month, is rich in history, with highly rated restaurants, plentiful shopping, local art boutiques, and a short drive to ski resorts and state parks.
Springfield, Missouri
In the Ozark Mountains, Springfield features a low cost of living with a median rent of around $600. The city is home to Missouri State University and has a lively downtown. Residents enjoy nearby lakes, caverns, and hiking trails.
Lynchburg, Virginia
Lynchburg offers affordable living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an average monthly rent of around $700. The city features a historic downtown, James River activities, and numerous colleges. Outdoor lovers can hike the Appalachian Trail or ski at nearby resorts.
Wichita Falls, Texas
Near the Oklahoma border, Wichita Falls has a low cost of living, with median rent around $600. The city offers museums, a waterpark, and nearby Lake Wichita. Sheppard Air Force Base is a major employer.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
“As the second-largest city in Mississippi, Hattiesburg is an urban hub of southern charm, affordable Mississippi real estate, and a steady economy,” says EXP Realty. Median rent is about $700 per month. The city features a historic downtown, parks, golf courses, and nearby camping and water recreation.
Topeka, Kansas
As the state capital, Topeka offers affordable midwestern living with an average rent of around $600. The city features museums, a zoo, and the historic Kansas State Capitol. Residents enjoy community events, disc golf courses, and Lake Shawnee.
Beaumont, Texas
Located near the Gulf Coast, Beaumont offers warm weather and a low cost of living. Beaumont is primarily a blue-collar area with its oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Median rent is around $700 monthly in a city with museums, a botanical garden, and easy access to fishing, boating, and beaches.
Jonesboro, Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism says, “The thriving community, which boasts a full spectrum of activities and world-class medical and educational options, is one of the fastest growing in the state.” Shockingly, the average rent is about $600 per month, making the high-quality of life with historic downtown, parks, golf courses, and nearby Crowley’s Ridge Parkway within reach of even those on a small budget.
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