Tired of living paycheck to paycheck? You’re likely pondering, “What are the cheapest states to live in along the East Coast?” Well, you’re in the right place.
We’re about to explore the most affordable East Coast states, detailing how each balances lower living costs with a fulfilling lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look.
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1. Georgia
The cost of living in Georgia is 11.4% below the national average. While Atlanta has slightly higher living costs, there are many affordable areas in Georgia that provide economical living options.
The median home price here is $385,000, and the median household income is about $65,030. While Georgia isn’t widely known for its beaches, it does have several affordable beach places, and the larger coastal city of Savannah is an ideal place to live, combining beach access with urban amenities.
2. West Virginia
In West Virginia, with a cost of living around 10% lower than the U.S. average, affordable housing is a notable feature, reflected in the median home price of $221,975.
If you like nature and adventure, you’ll find West Virginia, with its rich mining history, to be a great fit, as it’s a hub for various outdoor activities.
3. Tennessee
Tennessee, where the cost of living is 9.6% below the national average, offers more than just its famed musical heritage and rich culinary scene in cities like Memphis and Nashville.
Don’t miss: 8 Pros And Cons of Living in Nashville
Find out: The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Memphis
The state also has numerous small towns that are well-suited for family living. Though the median home price of $419,950 is slightly above the U.S. average, Tennessee offsets this with lower expenses in other areas, providing families with a balance of cultural richness and affordability.
4. Alabama
Alabama’s living expenses are about 12.1% lower than the U.S. average. The state is a hub for various industries, including steel production and space exploration.
The median home price here is $311,083, and if you are looking to retire this is a great state. There are many affordable beach places in Alabama and $1 million in retirement will last you 24 years over here.
5. Mississippi
As the most economical state in the U.S., Mississippi has a cost of living 15.6% lower than the national average. With a median home price of $274,750, it’s an attractive option if you are looking for affordability. Mississippi is also recognized for its contributions to American music and cuisine.
While it is the poorest state in the whole US, you’ll be surprised to find that Mississippi has many wealthy towns, with numerous households earning way above $100,000.
Check out: 9 Pros And Cons Of Living In Gulfport, MS
6. North Carolina
With a cost of living 6% lower than the national average, North Carolina offers affordable living options.
The state is noted for its technology and education sectors, and features reasonably priced housing. Coastal areas like the Outer Banks and Wilmington provide beach living at lower costs.
7. South Carolina
The cost of living in South Carolina is 6% below the national average. This state is recognized for its affordable beach towns, such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston, which are known for coastal living experiences at a lower cost than typically found in similar locales.
Read more: 17 Beach Cities Where You Can Buy a House For Under $100,000