Imagine this: you move to a new city, your rent is low, but you still have money left over to eat out, go on small trips, or save for something big. Sounds good, huh? Many people think cheap rent means you live in a ghost town. That’s not always true.
In this article, you’ll see 20 sweetest places with cheapest rent in the US—not just dirt cheap, but places where you can still find jobs, fun stuff, and some decent life. I’ll also tell stories, tips, and what to check before you pack your bags. You deserve a life—not just a cheap apartment.
Why Rent So High Everywhere?
Let’s be honest: rent in some places is just bonkers. You work all month, pay the landlord, and then survive on cereal until payday. That’s no way to live.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live in a shoebox in a big city to have a good life. There are plenty of towns and small cities across the U.S. where rent is low, people are nice, and you can actually breathe.
This isn’t about “cheap and boring.” This is about places that are affordable and livable. The kind of spots where you can rent a decent place, grab a burger after work, hit the park on weekends, and still have money left over.
What Makes a City Great AND Affordable?
So what are we looking for here? Not just rock-bottom prices. We’re also looking at:
- Safe and friendly neighborhoods
- Places to hang out (parks, malls, movie theaters)
- Decent schools and healthcare
- Some kind of fun—festivals, local food, music, or nature
- Jobs (or at least a good spot to work remote)
Let’s go on a journey together through the 20 sweetest places with the cheapest rent in the US—and see which one feels like home.
20 places with the cheapest rent in the US
1. Wichita, Kansas
Average Rent: Around $700/month for a one-bedroom
If you’ve never been to Wichita, just know this: people there smile at you for no reason. That’s how nice they are.
Wichita has big-city perks without the big-city prices. The Sedgwick County Zoo is huge, and there’s a cool aviation museum (because this town has airplane roots). You’ve also got Towne East Square Mall for shopping and Botanica Gardens for some fresh air.
Schools? Solid. Jobs? Especially good in healthcare and manufacturing. And housing? Super affordable.
2. Toledo, Ohio
Average Rent: Around $650/month
Toledo is that quiet friend who surprises you. It’s peaceful, green, and super affordable. The Toledo Zoo and Imagination Station Science Center are hits with families, and there’s even a Museum of Art that’s free (yes, free!).
Schools are pretty good, and Lake Erie is right there if you’re into water views or fishing. Plus, there’s Franklin Park Mall for shopping and local diners that serve breakfast all day (bless them).
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Average Rent: $700–$800/month
Fort Wayne is clean, safe, and has that “everyone-knows-your-name” vibe. Families love the Children’s Zoo, and the Rivergreenway Trail is perfect for walking or biking.
If you’re into local events, there’s always some small festival happening downtown. The city has good schools, a few malls, theaters, and lots of little coffee shops where you can sit and pretend you’re writing a novel.
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Average Rent: $750/month
Tulsa is like your artsy cousin who’s also super practical. Rent is low, and the vibe is young and creative. The Tulsa Remote Program will even pay you to move here if you work online!
There’s the Gathering Place (a giant riverfront park that’s basically a dream), museums, local breweries, murals everywhere, and a cute downtown that lights up at night. It’s fun, friendly, and full of energy.
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Average Rent: Around $700/month
Little Rock has a small-town heart with big-city extras. You can hike or bike the Arkansas River Trail, hang out at the River Market District, or take your kids to the Museum of Discovery.
It’s got a few solid malls, good schools, and tons of trees. Think southern comfort with modern perks—and rent that won’t make you cry.
6. Springfield, Missouri
Average Rent: $680/month
Springfield is chill. You’ve got the Ozarks nearby if you like lakes and hills, plus lots of public parks and a cute downtown with shops, live music, and taco joints.
The schools are good, rent is low, and people are friendly in that “wave at your neighbor” kind of way. Plus, you can catch a movie, go bowling, or hit up the farmer’s market all in one weekend.
7. Des Moines, Iowa
Average Rent: $800/month
Des Moines is the cool uncle of the Midwest. Clean streets, loads of green space, and people who say “hi” just because.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is massive, and there are bike trails everywhere. You’ve got good schools, a strong job market, and places like Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping and hanging out. Not too small, not too big—just right.
8. Akron, Ohio
Average Rent: $650/month
Home of Goodyear tires and one very famous library, Akron is quiet but full of charm. Rent is low, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park is close by for hiking and nature time.
Families love Akron Zoo and the Akron Art Museum, and there are schools that get solid marks. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe easy and still have stuff to do.
9. Shreveport, Louisiana
Average Rent: $700/month
Shreveport gives you a little bit of the South with a little bit of soul. It’s got tasty food (yes, real gumbo), live music, and riverfront walks.
The Louisiana Boardwalk is a big hit, plus you’ve got museums, a science center, and schools that are getting better every year. People here are welcoming, and the city feels more like a community.
10. Evansville, Indiana
Average Rent: $675/month
Evansville is cozy. It’s got a pretty riverfront, lots of green space, and even a children’s museum that’s a hit with families.
You’ll find decent shopping at Eastland Mall, a few movie theaters, and low traffic (a big win). It’s quiet, safe, and just the right size for folks who like peace without boredom.
11. Huntsville, Alabama
Average Rent: $900/month (but worth it)
If you love space stuff, this is your place. Huntsville is home to NASA’s Space & Rocket Center, which is as cool as it sounds.
It’s also a tech town with jobs, great schools, and trails galore. The rent’s a little higher, but it comes with perks—like new malls, great internet, and a city that’s really growing.
12. Fargo, North Dakota
Average Rent: $800/month
Yes, it gets cold. But people here? Warm as sunshine.
Fargo is clean, safe, and surprisingly lively. There’s a nice downtown with coffee shops, bookstores, and even theater shows. Plus, if you’re a snow lover, winter here is like a postcard.
13. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Average Rent: $750/month
Cedar Rapids is like a good cup of hot cocoa—simple, sweet, and comforting.
You’ve got good schools, museums, parks, and a riverwalk that’s lovely in spring. There’s a small-town feel, but with enough stuff to do that you won’t get bored. Friendly people, low rent, and clean streets? Yes, please.
14. Memphis, Tennessee
Average Rent: $800/month
Music, BBQ, and Beale Street. Memphis is fun, funky, and full of flavor.
Sure, it’s bigger than some of the others on this list, but it still has affordable spots—especially if you’re okay with living a little outside the city center. Great food, history, and culture are all baked in.
15. Amarillo, Texas
Average Rent: $750/month
Big sky, big burgers, and a big love for Texas. Amarillo has rodeos, a Cadillac Ranch art thing (you gotta see it), and Texas Route 66 vibes all over.
There are movie theaters, malls, and wide open spaces if you like elbow room. Plus, the people are about as friendly as they come.
16. Lubbock, Texas
Average Rent: $725/month
This college town has a lot of heart. Thanks to Texas Tech, there’s always something happening—football games, music festivals, or just taco trucks.
It’s very affordable, and you can find a place to rent without giving up the fun. Good schools, lots of energy, and the best breakfast burritos west of the Mississippi.
17. Peoria, Illinois
Average Rent: $700/month
Peoria’s not flashy, but it’s solid. Think nice neighborhoods, decent schools, and a riverfront that’s getting better every year.
The city has malls, public libraries, and plenty of parks. It’s the kind of place where kids ride bikes and neighbors help each other move couches.
18. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Average Rent: $850/month
Clean, safe, and no state income tax—Sioux Falls is a hidden gem. The Falls Park is beautiful, and there’s a calmness here that feels good.
They’ve got good healthcare, nice public schools, and small-town manners with city perks. If you want space without isolation, this one’s for you.
19. Mobile, Alabama
Average Rent: $750/month
Warm weather, water views, and real Southern charm. Mobile gives you beaches, old oak trees, and that slow, relaxed feeling.
It’s got decent schools, old houses with porches, and seafood that’ll make you dance. Plus, you can get to the beach in under an hour. Not bad at all.
20. South Bend, Indiana
Average Rent: $700/month
Home to Notre Dame University, South Bend has a smart feel without being snobby.
It’s got riverside parks, farmer’s markets, and a solid bus system. People are laid-back, and neighborhoods feel safe. Rent is low, and the town has a mix of students, families, and retirees all getting along.
Tips for Moving Without Breaking the Bank
So, you found a place with cheap rent (woo-hoo!). But moving? Ugh. It can be a lot, both in energy and in dollars. Here’s how to make it easier on your wallet and your back:
- Pack Smart: Use boxes from grocery stores (they’ll give them to you for free). Also, suitcases, laundry baskets, and even pillowcases can hold stuff.
- Move Mid-Month: Most people move at the beginning or end of the month, so moving in the middle can mean cheaper rental trucks.
- Ask for Help: Friends = free labor. Just offer pizza and snacks. Works every time.
- Sell Stuff You Don’t Need: Less stuff = less to move. Sell old clothes, furniture, or anything collecting dust. Facebook Marketplace is your best buddy.
- Do It Yourself: Renting a small moving van is way cheaper than hiring movers. Just make sure someone knows how to drive that thing (and don’t forget to check the mirrors).
How to Know If a City Is “Right” for You
Picking a new city isn’t like picking socks—it’s a big deal. So how do you know if one of these low-rent towns is actually your kind of place?
- Visit If You Can: Even a weekend trip can tell you a lot.
- Join Local Facebook Groups: Ask real people what it’s like to live there. You’ll learn fast.
- Look at the Schools, Jobs, and Weather: Can you work there? Are the schools solid? Is the weather something you can handle? (Looking at you, Fargo winter.)
- Trust Your Gut: If it feels right, it probably is. If it doesn’t—no shame in moving on.
Conclusion – You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Well
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a fancy zip code to live a good life.
You need a safe place, friendly neighbors, some fun things to do, and a home that doesn’t drain your bank account. And that’s what all these towns offer. They’re not just cheap—they’re good places to live, with real communities and real heart.
Whether you’re a fresh-out-of-college remote worker, a small family, or someone who’s just plain tired of sky-high rent, there’s a spot on this list that could be your next happy home.
And remember: life’s a whole lot sweeter when your rent doesn’t eat your whole paycheck.
FAQs
Is it really safe to live in these cheap cities?
Yes, most of these places have safe neighborhoods, especially in suburban or residential areas. Just check local crime maps and talk to locals online before deciding.
Can I find a good job in these places?
Totally. Some cities have strong local industries (like healthcare or education), and most have decent internet for remote work.
Will I be bored in a small city?
Not if you like parks, food, festivals, or being part of a community. You won’t have a Broadway show every weekend, but you will have people who say hello and coffee shops that remember your name.
How do I find an apartment from far away?
Use trusted sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or local Facebook housing groups. Always ask for real photos or video tours before signing anything.
What if I don’t know anyone there?
That’s okay! Join local clubs, groups, or even volunteer. In smaller cities, people tend to be more open and welcoming.
Is renting better than buying in these cities?
Sometimes! Rent gives you freedom to try a place before putting down roots. If you fall in love, buying might be your next smart move.
Final Thoughts (Before You Pack Your Bags)
Finding a place with cheap rent and good vibes isn’t just possible—it’s happening right now, for people just like you. So whether you want wide-open skies, river views, or just a quieter life with a little extra cash each month, one of these 20 cities could be your next chapter.
You don’t need to struggle. You just need to move smarter.
And hey—if you end up loving one of these places, send a postcard, will ya?
