New statistics collected by WalletHub and Niche confirm that there are incredible destinations across the Midwest, Texas, and beyond, suggesting you do not need a trust fund to live well.
All these cities are affordable, offer good employment opportunities, have welcoming neighborhoods, and vibrant communities. If packing your bags for a life reboot sounds tempting, keep reading —I’m spilling the beans on 12 cities where your $1,500 stretches a whole lot further than you’d expect.
Akron, Ohio
Akron has humbly advanced in the ranks as an underdog in terms of budget. The median rent is just above $795, and you’re still left with a lot to explore. There are breweries and cafes in town to visit, as well as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is perfect for hiking.
Additionally, there are more opportunities than you can ever imagine when you’re on a tight budget. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing jobs lend the city a stamp of approval as a respectable place to find good deals and opportunities in Akron.
Buffalo, New York
The cost of living in Buffalo is 44% below the state average and 4% below the national average. Housing in Buffalo is 5% cheaper than the US average.
Everyone’s dollar goes a long way in Buffalo, thanks to a recovering downtown (notably, Kaleida Health) and a growing job market. Also, Niagara Falls is just a short drive away. It will be worth it to go in the face of a bit of winter.
Brownsville, Texas
Sitting on the Gulf Coast, Brownsville seems a well-kept secret to people who love warm temperatures, Tex-Mex, and have little money in their pockets. It has been named the lowest-cost city of 2025 (by WalletHub), with affordable rent and living costs, offering Gulf breezes, fresh markets, and even the occasional SpaceX rocket launch.
Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls offers a small-city vibe with a big-hearted community spirit. The low level of affordability is built into everyday life, with affordable rent and almost-free local events.
If you’re looking to sit around the grill and wind down on a Friday night or take a walk in Lucy Park with your friends-turned-neighbors, you’ll feel at home without spending a fortune.
Evansville, Indiana
Squeezed between the Ohio River, Evansville boasts median rents that will make you take a second glance at its finest. Spend your money at the downtown farmer’s market, visit museums, or enjoy the local arts. Its affordability leaves little room for small luxuries, such as a guilt-free weekend getaway.
South Bend, Indiana
South Bend is associated with Notre Dame, but it is not just a college town. In the heart of the working-class section, rents are affordable, and the neighbors are open-minded. The downtown area is surprisingly vibrant. Living here is inexpensive yet satisfying, with nearby weekend farmers’ markets and hiking trails.
Harlingen, Texas
The cost of living in Harlingen is 13% below the state average and 18% below the national average. Harlingen is that golden combination of palm-tree atmosphere and affordable appeal.
There is warm weather, fresh seafood, and ridiculously affordable living costs (you will be shocked), making this Texas town feel like a never-ending vacation. And then there is the ocean, which would not be something to love living near?
Decatur, Illinois
The cost of living in Decatur is 28 percent below the state average and 21 percent below the national average. It is 49 percent less expensive than the U.S average. In Decatur, housing and utilities are approximately 6 percent more expensive.
Rents are affordable, the festivals are friendly, and you can enjoy the weekends without worrying about your wallet. Where can one get such a hot meal at the local county fair and have a nickel left over for dessert?
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Aside from being the winner in the category of most fun name to say, Kalamazoo proves to be a haven for creative types. With expensive housing and a rich arts and brewery community, you may be inspired (and save money) everywhere you go. And then there is Lake Michigan, just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Real talk, Muskogee is a budget-lover’s dream. You’ll also find affordable living costs, plenty of green space, local music allure, and the warm spirit of the neighborhood. Remember backyard barbecues, picnics, and simple living that doesn’t feel like you’re compromising anything.
It has the kind of atmosphere where friends are your neighbors, and life gets the energy that it deserves.
Tupelo, Mississippi
In 2024, the cost of living in Mississippi fell to 21.3% lower than the national average, making Mississippi the cheapest state in the country to live in. Days worth of charm and affordable living are present in the hometown of Elvis.
Imagine warm festivals, Southern cuisine, and the comfort of seeing good people wherever you turn. That kind of life? It’s certainly preferable to cutting corners every month.
Life in Tupelo moves at a slow pace, giving you ample time to explore its warm hospitality and rich history.
Ashland, Kentucky
The cost of living in Ashland is 7% below the state average and 12% below the national average. Living along the river in the adorable town of Ashland comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Imagine sipping coffee in a local juice shop and watching the world go by, or listening to live music downtown. All those little joys you’ve been craving? They could fit into your monthly budget here.
Key Takeaway
With a salary of $1,500, you are not compromising on quality. Cities in the U.S. dismantle the notion that being comfortable, surrounded by people, and having fun are unaffordable.
You can work remotely or seek a new opportunity; either way, some destinations will welcome you with open arms, and it will be less costly to live there as well. Browse, make your choice, and begin to dream about a new life in which $1,500 goes your way.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
How total beginners are building wealth fast in 2025—no experience needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
16 grocery staples to stock up on before prices spike again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
