The top 15 most affordable U.S. cities for people who want to live alone (2024)

There aren't many big cities where rent is cheap, even for a studio apartment.

But if you're single and don't like roommates, online brokerage RentHop found the 15 U.S. cities where rent is most affordable.

Out of 50 of the most populous cities, the following were ranked highest for affordability, as measured by median studio apartment costs as a share of the average income for single dwellers in each city.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, ranks as the most affordable city in the country for single renters. Studio apartments in Albuquerque go for a median price of $700, and the average single person would only need to spend 15.33% of their income to afford one.

Since financial experts recommend aiming to spend 30% or less on housing costs, that's a pretty good deal.

There are a couple of surprises in the rankings as well. Seattle and Denver have relatively expensive rent prices, with studio apartments costing more than $1,400. But these cities also have high average annual incomes — close to $100,000 — which offset the added costs.

In contrast, New York City is the least affordable place to live if you're single, as the cost of a studio apartment in the Big Apple as a share of income is almost 44%. Rent for studio apartments in New York has soared 23% in the past year, the study says.

To compile housing price data, RentHop used every studio apartment listed on its sitefrom Jan. 1, 2022 to Nov. 18. While single dwellers might live in larger homes, studio units were chosen because they best represent the minimum space in which one can live alone.

Income numbers represent average non-family household income, as measured by theU.S. Census Bureau, looking back a year from November 2022. Since these are average rather than median numbers, income might be skewed a bit higher than what most people earn.

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The top 15 most affordable U.S. cities for people who want to live alone (2024)

FAQs

What is the most affordable city to live alone? ›

Witchita, Kansas, is the nation's most affordable city for single renters. The housing burden there is only 17.65 percent while the median rent for a studio apartment is $565.

What U.S. city has the lowest cost of living? ›

10 Most Affordable Cities To Live In The U.S.
  • Evansville, Indiana.
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Dayton, Ohio.
  • Wichita Falls, Texas.
  • Toledo, Ohio.
  • Akron, Ohio.
  • Springfield, Illinois.
  • Rockford, Illinois.
Mar 26, 2024

Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in America? ›

Georgia is home to the safest and most affordable small cities in the U.S., with Roswell and Johns Creek ranking No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live? ›

Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025
  • Fort Wayne, IN.
  • Huntsville, AL.
  • Wichita, KS.
  • Springfield, MO.
  • Davenport, IA.
  • Hickory, NC.
  • Montgomery, AL.

Where should I move if I want to be alone? ›

Our overall winner was Milwaukee, WI, with our runner ups being Cleveland, OH and St. Louis, MO. All of these cities have a unique combination of affordability, safety, and the potential to create new social networks, which make them perfect for someone looking to live alone or start over in a new city.

What is the cheapest state to live in as a single-person? ›

Mississippi: According to World Population Review, in 2023, Mississippi holds the title of the cheapest state to live in the United States. Its cost of living index is 85, and overall costs in the state are 17% lower than the national average.

What is a good salary to live alone? ›

To live “comfortably” as a single person in 99 of the largest U.S. metro areas, you'll need a median income of $93,933, according to a recent SmartAsset analysis.

What state is the easiest to live in financially? ›

Top 5 Best States for Families To Live on the Average Salary
  • Connecticut: The Best State Financially for Families. ...
  • New Hampshire. ...
  • Maryland. ...
  • New Jersey. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Hawaii: The Worst State Financially for Families. ...
  • Nevada. ...
  • Florida.
Feb 20, 2024

What is the average age to live alone? ›

Fifty is the new 25, at least when it comes to living alone. Why it matters: That's about the average age of a solo U.S. renter, according to the latest census data.

Where is the cheapest rent in the U.S. right now? ›

Albuquerque, NM. At $775 median monthly rent and a rent cost of 21.5 percent of one's income, Albuquerque remains one of the cheapest places to live in America after topping the list in 2023. One of the best things about New Mexico is the sunsets, and this city is no exception.

What is the best state to move to in 2024? ›

US News & World Report released its 2024 list of the best places to live in America. The list is based on factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Naples, Florida, tops this year's list, followed by Boise, Idaho, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Where is the least expensive cost of living? ›

  • Arkansas. #1 in Cost of Living. #47 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Mississippi. #2 in Cost of Living. #48 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Cost of Living. ...
  • South Dakota. #4 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Iowa. #5 in Cost of Living. ...
  • North Dakota. #6 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Oklahoma. #7 in Cost of Living. ...
  • West Virginia. #8 in Cost of Living.

What American city should I move to? ›

Cities With the Best Quality of Life to Move to in 2024
RankCity, StateCrime Rate Per 1,000 Residents
1Virginia Beach Virginia17.05
2Raleigh North Carolina28.68
3San Diego California23.33
4Tampa Florida24.30
11 more rows
Mar 21, 2024

Where is the cheapest place on earth to live? ›

The most affordable countries in the world to live and work: where to move to for a better living. The cheapest countries in the world are Pakistan, Egypt, and Bhutan. To live comfortably in one of these states, a person needs under $400 per month.

Where is the cheapest warm place to live in the USA? ›

Top 25 Affordable Warm Weather Destinations in the U.S. for Winter Travel
  • Tucson, AZ. Average winter temperatures: High: 67°F | Low: 41°F. ...
  • Clearwater, FL. Average winter temperatures: High: 72°F | Low: 55°F. ...
  • San Diego, CA. ...
  • Phoenix, AZ. ...
  • Cocoa Beach, FL. ...
  • New Smyrna Beach, FL. ...
  • Destin, FL. ...
  • New Orleans, LA.

What state is the cheapest to love? ›

West Virginia is the cheapest state to live in the US due to its low cost of living. This affordability is primarily driven by the state's low housing costs and other economic facilities. The median home price in West Virginia is $155,400, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $930 per month.

What is the cheapest city to live in in the United States? ›

Overall Cost of Living Score: 70.1

The number one most affordable place to live in the United States is Selmont–West Selmont, Alabama. Located in the Selma, Alabama, metropolitan area, Selmont–West Selmont is a quaint small town with a thriving community.

Where is the best affordable place to raise a family? ›

The 25 Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin. ...
  • Montgomery, Alabama. ...
  • Hickory, North Carolina. ...
  • Davenport, Iowa. ...
  • Springfield, Missouri. ...
  • Wichita, Kansas. Best Places 2024 Rank: 72. ...
  • Huntsville, Alabama. Best Places 2024 Rank: 7. ...
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana. Best Places 2024 Rank: 20.
May 21, 2024

How do you live alone on a tight budget? ›

  1. Know What You Can Afford to Spend. ...
  2. Set Priorities for What You Want. ...
  3. Consider a Roommate - but Find the Right One. ...
  4. Consider Short-Term Rentals if Your Living Situation Is Flexible. ...
  5. Look for Ways to Save on Non-Housing Costs. ...
  6. Have Realistic Expectations for Moving to a Big City.
Oct 31, 2023

Where can I live by myself? ›

Top 30 Cities Where Renters Can Afford to Live Alone
RankCityAvg. Monthly Rent1
1Minneapolis, MN$1,130
2Omaha, NE$837
3Cincinnati, OH$895
4St. Paul, MN$1,018
6 more rows
Jun 21, 2022

How can I afford to live alone? ›

Budgeting Tips When You Want To Live Alone But Can't Afford It
  1. 1.1 Examine Your Priorities.
  2. 1.2 Lower Your Housing Standards.
  3. 1.3 Shop Around for Utilities.
  4. 1.4 Cook at Home.
  5. 1.5 Budget for Fun.
  6. 1.6 Use Public Transportation.
  7. 1.7 Negotiate a Raise.
  8. 1.8 Get a Side Gig.

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