Ever dream of ditching your 9-to-5 and moving somewhere warmer and more affordable? You’re not alone.
Many Americans are flocking to places where living is easy and the cost of living is low. The good news is there are plenty of warm US cities and towns where you can live comfortably on a budget.
Picture yourself strolling along a sunny beach, palm trees swaying in the breeze. Or enjoying an early morning hike in the foothills without breaking a sweat. How about sipping a cold one on a patio while watching the sunset? All without worrying about how you’ll pay the bills.
Sound appealing? Then pack your bags – here are some tempting places in mind. From desert oases to Gulf Coast paradises, these warm and wallet-friendly US destinations should be on your radar. One of them might just be your new home sweet home.
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Las Cruces, New Mexico
If you’re looking to escape harsh winters, Las Cruces, New Mexico should be on your list. This city in the Mesilla Valley has a lot going for it:
The cost of living in Las Cruces is 8% lower than the national average. Housing costs are a whopping 21% cheaper than the New Mexico average.
You’ll enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year with average high temps ranging from 32°F to 97°F. Perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and golfing.
Plenty of parks and recreation options exist, like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. You can go mountain biking, rock climbing, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
Las Cruces has a charming historic downtown, museums, farmers’ markets, and wineries. There’s always something fun happening.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas, should be on your warm and affordable cities list. Little Rock’s cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. The average cost of living in Little Rock is $1727.
The weather in Little Rock is mild, too, ranging from 34°F to 93°F, so you can enjoy being outside year-round. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking along the Arkansas River are popular and budget-friendly.
Culture and food options abound as well. You’ll find museums, music venues, craft breweries, and a great food scene with options from BBQ to vegan. Little Rock’s River Market District and SOMA (South Main) offer lots to do, see, eat, and drink.
While not a huge city, Little Rock has a small-town vibe but with enough amenities to keep life interesting. The low cost of living means your dollar will stretch further, allowing you to live comfortably, even on a tight budget.
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Columbus, Georgia
Columbus has a cost of living index well below the national average at just 74.4. Housing and utilities are especially affordable.
The cost of housing in Columbus is significantly lower than the national average. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for under $700 per month.
Utilities like electricity and water are cheaper in Columbus compared to most other places in the U.S. Healthcare and transportation costs are also lower in Columbus relative to other areas.
Columbus has hot summers and short, mild winters. Temperatures range from 38°F to 91°F. Summers are long, hot, and humid.
Daytime highs are typically in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are short and mild. Average high temperatures in January are in the mid-50s Fahrenheit.
SEE: Other cheap places to live in Georgia.
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters.
Summers are oppressive, with average highs of 92 F (33 C) and lows of 71 F (22 C) in July and August. Winters are short and wet, with average highs of 54 F (12 C) and lows of 35 F (2 C) in January.
The cost of living in Jackson is 16% lower than the national average. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state average. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for around $880 per month.
So if you’re a student on a tight budget, Jackson is both great and affordable.
But Jackson’s not just about budget-friendly living, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Art buffs can head to the Mississippi Museum of Art or the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum.
In the mood for some live entertainment? Check out what’s playing at the Thalia Mara Hall. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, or you could take a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk.
And let’s not forget the food; you can savor Southern dishes and enjoy blues music and lively nightlife on Farish Street.
MORE: 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Mississippi
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, Texas, is an affordable city with a low cost of living. Housing here is 20% cheaper than the state average, and estimated monthly costs for a family of four are only $4,804.
The weather in San Antonio is hot and humid, with short, mild winters. Summers are sweltering, with average highs of 95 F, while winters are cool, around 63 F. The city gets little rainfall and over 260 sunny days per year.
Culture and activities abound in this city, from the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to the River Walk, with its shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio are popular theme parks. Sports fans can catch a Spurs basketball game at the AT&T Center.
With its low cost of living, warm weather, and vibrant culture, San Antonio offers safe neighborhoods and an appealing lifestyle at an affordable price.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville offers a low cost of living that will allow you to stretch your budget. Housing costs are 6% lower than the state average, and living expenses for a single person are under $1,000 per month without rent.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $900, while a three-bedroom house rents for about $1,300.
Utilities like electricity and water are reasonably priced at around $200-$300 per month for an average home.
Healthcare and transportation are also lower than average. A monthly transit pass is $50, and a doctor’s visit is $100 on average.
With its location along the St. Johns River and Atlantic coast, Jacksonville provides opportunities for an active lifestyle at a low cost. You can go boating, fishing, swimming at the beach, hiking, and more.
READ: Best Neighborhoods to Live In Jacksonville, FL
Florida is one of nine states with no state income tax. Jacksonville also has lower than average sales tax at 6.5% and property taxes of around $1,500 annually for a median-valued home.
The lower taxes, combined with the lower living costs, help make Jacksonville an affordable paradise.
Jacksonville offers a tropical climate, natural beauty, and big city amenities at a small price. The low costs of living and taxes provide an opportunity to enjoy life even on a tight budget.
Roswell, New Mexico
The cost of living in Roswell is lower than the national average. Housing costs are 18% lower, and necessities for a single adult are around $30,806 a year.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $600 per month. Outside the city center, rent drops to around $500 per month.
Roswell’s utility bills for electricity, heating, and water are lower than the national average by about 10-15%.
Healthcare in Roswell is very affordable. The costs of doctor’s visits, medical procedures, and health insurance premiums are well below national averages.
The sales tax rate in Roswell is around 7.5%, lower than in most states. This means you’ll pay less in taxes on goods and services. The overall tax burden in Roswell is lower than average. State income, property, and other taxes are lower than in most countries.
The low cost of living in Roswell means your money will go further. You’ll be able to afford a nice home, dine out frequently, and pursue hobbies and entertainment for bargan.
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles has a very affordable cost of living, especially compared to the national average. Housing expenses like rent and utilities are 30% lower, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Whether you drive or use public transit, transportation costs are 5% below average. Overall, Lake Charles’s living cost is 7% lower than Louisiana’s average and 15% lower than the national average.
Explore the Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile scenic byway through prairies, wetlands, and beaches. Spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Visit Prien Lake Park, a scenic lakefront park perfect for walking, jogging, biking, boating, or just enjoying a picnic.
While small, Lake Charles has an active cultural scene and nightlife for a city of its size. Catch a show at the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center or the Central School Arts and Humanities Center.
Lake Charles combines natural beauty with an affordable cost of living.
Lake Charles deserves a spot at the top of your list for those seeking an outdoor getaway in a warm climate without spending more than you can afford.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is not only as one of Texas’ most affordable beach towns but also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other coastal cities in the United States.
No wonder it is one of the most popular warm places to visit in winter on a budget.
Its pleasant weather, especially in the milder winter months, attracts people looking for a sunny and affordable place to live or visit.
Here you will a range of affordable housing options, alongside attractions like beaches and historical sites, and one of the most liberal communities in Texas.
Conclusion
Any of these locations would make a great escape from harsh winters or an expensive cost of living.
Whether you want to surround yourself with natural beauty, cultural attractions, or an active outdoor lifestyle, you can find an appealing and budget-friendly home base in one of these cities.
The low costs of living mean you are able to work less and enjoy more sun-filled days if you make a move.
Now the only question is, where will your next adventure take you? The open road is calling, so pack your bags, hop in the car, and head to your new warm-weather paradise. Life’s too short to spend it anywhere else!
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