With the cost of everything skyrocketing every day, rental prices are no exception. To save money, people are scrambling to cut down on expenses, especially the rent, which takes up a massive chunk of a person’s funds. The dent in saved funds is more visible and impacts those with lower incomes. According to a
report released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University in 2018, approximately 50 percent of all tenants have experienced the pressure that comes with excessive spending. In cities with higher living standards, such as
New York City and
San Francisco, tenants whose incomes are below $15000 annually have been heavily impacted. Therefore, looking up a house for rent in a cheap city is more about sustenance than cutting costs for many individuals.
At the same time, we must also add that since work from home is now the new norm, you’re free to work from any city as long as you’re available online and get the job done. So, it’s wiser to relocate to a cheaper city, most of which you’ll find in the southern and midwestern parts of the United States. To make the house-hunting process easier for you, we’ve compiled information on the top 10 cheapest cities in the USA:
1. Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)
While we may all know that Oklahoma City is the capital of Oklahoma, many of us may not be aware that Oklahoma is the eighth-largest city in the United States, land area-wise! Plenty of inexpensive flat land encompasses the town and makes it a sought-after destination for real estate developers and tenants alike.
The city has a robust economy, thanks to energy and agriculture, for the most part. In fact, one could say that Oklahoma’s perched on a functioning oil field that generates employment for numerous residents who earn their livelihoods from oil and gas leases. Let’s not forget the contributions of other equally significant industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, finance, and state government. Key businesses include the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Hobby Lobby, Integris Health, and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
Finally, among its other highlights, the city houses Stockyards City, the most extensive livestock market across the globe, and the Tinker Air Force Base!
2. Wichita (Kansas)
The biggest city in Kansas derived its name from the Wichita people, the inhabitants for centuries before European settlers came into the picture. The city is home to the largest aircraft manufacturing center in the USA! Numbers show that over 50 aircraft companies and suppliers operate from Wichita and its neighboring areas. Some notable names include Airbus, Learjet, and Textron Aviation.
The economy gets a lot of help from the processed meat and the energy industry, with Cargill Meat Solutions and Koch Industries being two of its most important businesses. In addition, there’s Coleman Company and Chance Morgan, which manufacture camping gear and amusement rides, respectively!
In the end, you’ll be happy to know that this is where Pizza Hut and White Castle came into being, so if you’re a foodie, this is the place for you!
3. Tulsa (Oklahoma)
Tulsa, situated in the northeastern part of the state, close to the base of the Ozark Mountains, houses people from all over the globe. Although the town flourished, thanks to the oil industry, the economy faced a crisis during the late 90s before getting back on its feet.
Although the city houses businesses dependent on the oil industry, such as Syntroleum and Williams Companies, it’s likely to transition to the aerospace or financial services industry to curb the disastrous effects of climate change. Interestingly, Tulsa is home to the maintenance facility of American Airlines, the most extensive maintenance facility worldwide! Also, BOK Financial Corporation’s head office is located in the city. So, it’s already on its way to a new start!
Besides its businesses, the city’s other highlights include the Tulsa State Fair, a popular event, which draws people in hordes every year, food, and numerous parks! With everything it has to offer, you should think about getting a house for rent in Tulsa!
4. Omaha (Nebraska)
Among the reasonably-priced cities for comfortable living, Omaha is one, not to mention the biggest in the state! A city that once thrived on the meatpacking industry, has come a long way since then. Omaha has progressed to booming sectors such as insurance, railroad, finance, and engineering. Some of its critical businesses include Valmont Industries, Mutual of Omaha, and Union Pacific Corporation. It’s also worth noting that Omaha is where Warren Buffet was born and raised, and his company, Berkshire Hathaway, is housed.
The city offers its residents numerous opportunities for dining, shopping, and education. Old Market is one of its notable places, with many eateries, art galleries, and shopping facilities. Food lovers will die for the Reuben Sandwich here! In the end, the biggest attraction is the College World Series, a yearly baseball tournament drawing tons of baseball fans!
5. Raleigh (North Carolina)
Raleigh is the most rapidly growing city in North Carolina and the second-biggest one in the state! It’s been in demand by potential tenants for several years, courtesy of its burgeoning economy.
Along with areas such as Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary, the city is a significant educational center, housing world-renowned universities, such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. These three institutions comprise the Research Triangle area of the state. The Triangle is the focal point of biotechnology research and companies. So this would be an excellent place for you to find a house for rent should you decide to look for opportunities in the field. Healthcare contributes to the economy too. Worthwhile businesses include First Citizens BancShares, Red Hat, and Waste Industries.
6. Columbus (Ohio)
As far as population goes, Columbus is the largest city in the state, not to mention its capital too. The city thrives on core industries such as banking, insurance, aviation, and defense. Some of the biggest names in the business include the state government of Ohio, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Cardinal Health, Huntington Bancshares, and Wendy’s. In addition, the city is home to the most prominent research and development foundation globally, Battelle Memorial Institute.
In a word, Ohio State University, among the most extensive universities in the United States, also generates a ton of employment opportunities for residents and outsiders alike. With an ever-growing economy, who wouldn’t want to move to the city and find a house for rent?
7. Bakersfield (California)
Bakersfield is renowned across the United States for its prosperous oil-producing industry!
The city benefits from its fertile croplands, thanks to plenty of sunshine, mild winters, and massive reserves of groundwater. Its steady winds and sunlight have resulted in its new identity as the center for renewable energy! With a new industry in place, there will be job opportunities galore for those seeking them!
However, along with its upsides, there are downsides too. Bakersfield becomes arid and dusty in summers, where one should stay away from. Moreover, the fungal pathogen that causes valley fever, a deadly disease, is found here! With global warming on the rise, the disease is likely to afflict more and more agricultural workers in the future.
8. Greensboro (North Carolina)
Greensboro forms the most extensive of the three cities that make up the Piedmont Triad region. At one point, the economy flourished, owing to its booming tobacco and textile manufacturing industry, both of which have taken a hit due to various reasons.
Nonetheless, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and high-tech research have found a strong foothold in the city. Some top-notch companies here include Volvo Trucks, Honda Aircraft, Lincoln Financial Group, FedEx, and Mack Trucks. The city’s home to several must-visit places, such as the Weatherspoon Arts Museum, the Greensboro Science Center, and the Greensboro Arboretum. Its downtown area provides options aplenty for shopping and entertainment.
In summary, if you’re looking for a house for rent in a cheap city, you might want to check out Greensboro!
9. Memphis (Tennessee)
Memphis has seen many lows in the past in terms of its economic growth. But the best part about the city’s failures is that each time, it’s risen from the ashes like a phoenix and marched ahead! It houses some top-notch organizations worldwide, such as FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. Other city-based companies that deserve mention include Carrier, Merck, Medtronic, and Cargill Cotton! If this doesn’t encourage you to move to the city, what will?
The city’s famous for its music and barbeque. Two of the biggest global music events, the Beale Street Music Festival and the International Jazz Festival, are held in the city.
10. Kansas City (Missouri)
Kansas City is the core of the logistics industry and the federal government because it’s centrally located. Statistics reveal that more than a hundred federal government agencies are housed in the city! Notable agencies include the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the General Services Administration.
Besides federal agencies, the city’s economic growth relies on the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and manufacturing industries. Companies that have found a home here include General Motors, Ford, Honeywell, Sanofi-Aventis, and Dairy Farmers of America, among the USA’s biggest agricultural cooperatives.
The city’s many attractions also draw residents and visitors alike, such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National World War Museum, and the Kansas City Zoo! So, think about settling down in Kansas City and getting a house for rent!
So, which city do you see yourself living in in the future? Finding it tough to decide? We bet! It might be wise to consider a couple of options before deciding which city works best for you. Research these cities online because rent might not be the only factor that will seal the deal. Should you have friends or extended family living in any of these cities, ask them for their thoughts. If feasible, spend some time with them and know more. If you have a list of cities in mind and can take some time off, take a short trip and get a feel of these places. These experiences should help you make an informed decision. Good luck!
