When you think of exciting and innovative cities across the US, you probably think of the big three: New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The only problem about living in those cities or even in their suburbs is that they are very expensive. They can be nice for a vacation, but many people just can't afford it. But there’s no reason to worry that you might miss out on the best cultural events, the best jobs, or the best of life just because you can’t afford to move to one of those cities. There are many cities in between that are either up-and-coming or already popular—and inexpensive.
Northeast
Syracuse, New York
Only one place in the Northeast makes the list: Syracuse, New York. With some of the top universities in the US, close to major highways, and only a short trip from Canada, New York City, and other major cities in the Northeast, Syracuse is a great place to settle. Just bring sure you invest in a snow shovel.
Image: NY Daily News
Southeast
Florida
There are a lot of stereotypes about Florida, some good, some not so good: the humidity, the tourists, the beaches, the gun-loving conservatives, Latin culture, the old people, the list goes on. But Florida is a diverse place, and there might be a place for you if you look hard enough.
Daytona Beach
On the Atlantic coast, Daytona and the surrounding area is known for beautiful weather and lively nightlife.
Image: TripAdvisor
Tampa
Tampa, on the Gulf coast, has some outstanding universities and business centers for people looking to study or find a job. And there is the Florida weather, of course.
Image: TripAdvisor
Midwest
Polite people, beer, cheese. Three main things the Midwest is known for. Oh, and the accent. But there is only one true way to find out more “aboot” this beautiful area: live there. Wisconsin has some great universities and a thriving music scene, while Ohio is on the edge of the East and has some of the most inexpensive cities in the area.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Image: TripAdvisor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Image: TripAdvisor
Madison, Wisconsin
Image: Wikipedia
South
Many areas of the South are some of the most inexpensive places to live in the entire country. Luckily, there are loads of popular cities to choose from if the South is the place for you.
Texas
They say, “Don’t mess with Texas” and when it comes to popular inexpensive cities, that’s true. There are three large cities in the state that are very affordable, especially compared with cities in other areas of the country.
San Antonio
Remember the Alamo. And remember to keep San Antonio at the top of your list of possible inexpensive cities to move to.
Image: SanAntonio.com
Houston
Traffic and weather might not be your friends here, but in terms of city planning and managing things right, Houston has a lot to offer.
Image: TripAdvisor
Austin
Austin is known by many as the Texas city that feels very un-Texas. It has a more eclectic vibe that many try to keep alive with the slogan Keep Austin Weird.
Image: Lennar
Tennessee
The home of Elvis, country music, and the Blues offers cheap living and lots of outdoor activities and cultural events. Each city on our list has a unique flavor—Knoxville for its universities, Memphis for its history, and Chattanooga for its growing tech scene.
Knoxville
Image: TripAdvisor
Memphis
Image: TripAdvisor
Chattanooga
Image: Wired
Southwest
The Southwest has beautiful landscapes, lively cities, and cheap living. It’s no wonder people are packing up and moving to some of the biggest cities in the area.
Phoenix, Arizona
Image: ABC News
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Image: Albuquerque Hyatt
West
If you head out west, stop at the California border. There aren’t really any inexpensive cities after that.
Boise, Idaho
You might be surprised to find Idaho on the list, but in this more remote part of the country, you can find beautiful landscapes as well as a thriving community of hipsters, tech types, and other creatives.
Image: West Real Estate
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City has lost a bit of its “sin” over the years and has become a city full of some of the best restaurants and entertainment options in the country. Better yet, it continues to grow and jobs are plentiful.
Image: TripAdvisor
Salt Lake City, Utah
The city might have the image of being quite conservative and focused on Mormon life, but the city is evolving into a diverse place with more in common with major cities across the US than you think.
Image: Search Salt Lake
No matter where you want to go, there are popular inexpensive cities waiting for you across the country. Happy packing!
