Yahoo Finance These Are the 50 Cheapest Major Midwest Cities — But Are They Good Places To Live?
Traditionally, workers seeking high wages flock to major cities like New York and Washington, D.C. However, the rising cost of living in large metropolitan areas is causing many workers to rethink their prospects and look for more affordable options, like the Midwest.
GOBankingRates performed an extensive study comparing the cost of living and relative livability of cities throughout the Midwest. Here are the 50 most inexpensive major cities.
Discover More: The 50 Happiest States in America and How Much It Costs to Live There
Try This: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup
1. Flint, Michigan
If you’re seeking an affordable house, Flint is an excellent option. The median home listing price is $199,950, well below the national average of $442,450.
Livability: 74
Total Annual Cost of Living: $26,439
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $52,878
Find Out: Here’s How Much the Definition of Middle Class Has Changed in Every State
For You: 5 Midwest Cities Where You Can Buy Luxury Homes For $100,000 or Less
Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.
2. Detroit
Detroit is highly affordable, but crime is an issue. The city ranks as the third most dangerous in the nation, falling just behind St. Louis and Memphis, according to U.S. News.
Livability: 73
Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,051
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $56,102
Be Aware: Don’t Buy a House in These 5 US Cities That Have Shrinking Populations and Fewer Buyers
3. Gary, Indiana
Gary is an excellent option if you’re in the market for a modestly priced home. The median sales price in the area is $80,000. However, property and violent crime are a concern.
Livability: 70
Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,419
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $56,837
4. Decatur, Illinois
Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy Decatur, which offers an inland lake that’s perfect for fishing, swimming and water skiing. The city recently redesigned its central business district to promote safety and employment opportunities.
Livability: 59
Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,797
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $57,595
5. Cleveland
Artists and creators may find a home in Cleveland, which offers stunning street murals in nearly every neighborhood. The city is also the site of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Livability: 71
Total Annual Cost of Living: $30,778
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $61,555
6. Toledo, Ohio
Toledo is a snow-lover’s delight, averaging 37.4 inches of the fluffy white stuff each year. However, summers are nice and sunny, reaching into the mid-80s between June and August.
Livability: 66
Total Annual Cost of Living: $31,430
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $62,860
Trending Now: Here’s How Much the Definition of Rich Has Changed in Every State
7. Akron, Ohio
Homes in Akron are a bargain, with a median listing price of $252,400. The city is revitalizing its economy following a decline in its tire manufacturing industries over the past few decades, so employment opportunities may be limited.
Livability: 80
Total Annual Cost of Living: $32,197
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $64,394
8. St. Joseph, Missouri
In addition to being highly affordable, St. Joseph offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The city was a stop on the Pony Express during the 1860s, and a museum dedicated to its history includes displays about the riders who transported mail from coast to coast.
Livability: 59
Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,443
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $66,885
9. Canton, Ohio
Canton offers inexpensive housing and a reasonable cost of living. However, the city’s high violent and property crime rates may make some think twice before relocating there.
Livability: 69
Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,835
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $67,670
10. Lansing, Michigan
Lansing has a lot to offer new residents: a thriving economy, affordable housing and low crime rates. It’s also home to one of the top public research universities in the country: Michigan State.
Livability: 78
Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,890
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $67,779
Check Out: 7 Locations Where Housing Prices Are Plummeting Post-Pandemic
11. Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is an economical alternative to expensive mid-sized cities. However, it has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation at 27.5%.
Livability: 66
Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,274
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $68,549
12. South Bend, Indiana
South Bend has several advantages, including reasonable housing prices and a low 4% unemployment rate. It’s also the site of the prestigious Notre Dame University.
Livability: 62
Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,932
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $69,864
13. Hammond, Indiana
Located just 35 minutes south of Chicago, Hammond offers a low-cost alternative for people who want to be close to a major metropolitan city. However, Hammond’s poverty rate is high, encompassing nearly 20% of the population.
Livability: 69
Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,998
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $69,995
14. Peoria, Illinois
Known as the River City, Peoria offers a variety of things to do, including an 1,800-acre zoological park full of native prairie animals. Residents can also explore the city’s numerous eclectic museums that highlight President Ronald Reagan’s life, the evolution of telephones and vintage automobiles.
Livability: 74
Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,193
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $70,387
Read Next: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State
15. Rockford, Illinois
Located in the heart of Illinois, Rockford offers its residents a broad array of activities, including a farmer’s market, golf courses, museums and fantastic restaurants.
Livability: 60
Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,550
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $71,100
16. St. Louis
Baltimore and Oakland may come to mind when you think of dangerous U.S. cities. St. Louis is another top contender, with high violent and property crime rates in some areas.
Livability: 74
Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,852
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $71,704
17. Sioux City, Iowa
Sioux City is the quintessential “little big town,” with a thriving local arts community and outdoor activities to explore, including hiking, fishing and kayaking.
Livability: 77
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,131
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $72,263
18. Evansville, Indiana
Located along the banks of the Ohio River, Evansville invites residents to soak up the sun during the summers with plenty of boating, paddleboarding and kayaking activities. However, be prepared for wet and cold Evansville winters.
Livability: 65
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,459
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $72,917
Explore More: Housing Market 2024: 50 Most Affordable Cities for Homebuyers
19. Kansas City, Kansas
Living in the home of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, sports fans will have no shortage of games to attend. However, violent crime in Kansas City has escalated in recent years. Certain areas are safer than others.
Livability: 74
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,596
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,191
20. Davenport, Iowa
Avid bicyclists will appreciate Davenport’s numerous bike trails, including the Mississippi River Trail and the American Discovery Trail. Both paths cover miles of countryside and riverfront communities.
Livability: 76
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,812
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,624
21. Parma, Ohio
Parma is the largest suburb of Cleveland. It has strong Ukrainian and Polish influences, with two villages within the city devoted to both cultural heritages.
Livability: 80
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,944
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,888
22. Warren, Michigan
Michigan is a haven for automotive companies, including General Motors. The GM Technical Center in Warren provides numerous jobs for residents in various disciplines, such as design and engineering.
Livability: 73
Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,974
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,949
Learn More: Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born
23. Springfield, Illinois
As the state capital, Springfield has a fascinating history. President Abraham Lincoln lived there, and you can visit several sites dedicated to his memory, including the Lincoln Home and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Residents seeking reasonably priced housing will find homes listed for a median price of $216,225.
Livability: 79
Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,570
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,141
24. Independence, Missouri
Independence has everything you might want — a short commute, affordable housing and reasonably priced services. However, crime rates are higher than the national average.
Livability: 81
Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,774
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,548
25. Racine, Wisconsin
Located 40 minutes south of Milwaukee, Racine sits on the banks of Lake Michigan. Although crime rates have increased recently, you can find well-priced property in the area.
Livability: 79
Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,995
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,990
26. Westland, Michigan
Westland offers several large parks, including Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve, which has over 500 acres of forests and wetlands. It’s perfect for hikers, photographers and birdwatchers.
Livability: 75
Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,222
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $76,444
Find Out: 6 Reasons the Poor Stay Poor and Middle Class Doesn’t Become Wealthy
27. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Several major Fortune 500 companies have a significant presence in Cedar Rapids, including General Mills, Whirlpool and Nordstrom. The city is also home to the University of Iowa.
Livability: 74
Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,807
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,613
28. Topeka, Kansas
Topeka is a mid-sized city located one hour west of Kansas City. While it’s certainly affordable, it lacks cultural attractions and sporting events. However, nature lovers can explore some of the area’s numerous hiking trails.
Livability: 68
Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,834
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,668
29. Des Moines, Iowa
If you’re seeking a city atmosphere with plenty of snow — up to three feet per year — you might enjoy Des Moines. The city offers reasonably priced housing and many employment opportunities.
Livability: 81
Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,889
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,779
30. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne has over 80 award-winning parks, with over 100 miles of trails for joggers, hikers and bicyclists to explore. Foodies enjoy its broad variety of restaurants, including craft breweries and Italian, Japanese and Greek cuisines.
Livability: 83
Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,962
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,925
Be Aware: 10 Dangerous Cities You Shouldn’t Buy a Home in No Matter the Price
31. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Known as a haven for beer and cheese lovers, Milwaukee is home to dozens of breweries, including Pabst Blue Ribbon. During the summer, you can swim or tan along 1,400 acres of beaches along the coast of Lake Michigan.
Livability: 78
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,028
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,056
32. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo provides residents with slower-paced living. It’s surrounded by stunning countryside and multiple nature trails. Those looking for a walkable city will enjoy its downtown area.
Livability: 75
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,081
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,162
33. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is an art lover’s dream. It contains the largest art museum in Kansas and public works throughout the city, including murals and sculptures. Residents can also watch ballets and plays at its theaters.
Livability: 66
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,309
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,617
34. Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn is one of the more affordable Midwest cities. However, nearly 24% of residents live in poverty, and unemployment is consistently higher than national averages.
Livability: 77
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,612
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,223
Find Out: Is Barbara Corcoran Right About the Housing Market?
35. Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is a vibrant city with an intriguing history. It’s recognized as the birthplace of Route 66 and also played host to the first national country music show, The Ozark Jubilee. New residents will find employment opportunities with prominent businesses, including O’Reilly Auto Parts and Bass Pro Shops.
Livability: 72
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,646
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,292
36. Indianapolis
Sports fans will find events year-round with professional teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. The city also hosts the annual Indianapolis 500.
Livability: 77
Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,804
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,609
37. St. Cloud, Minnesota
St. Cloud is primarily a college town. Local higher-education schools include St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College and College of Saint Benedict. Locals can explore the city’s numerous golf courses, bike trails and dining establishments.
Livability: 81
Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,740
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,479
38. Kansas City, Missouri
In recent years, Kansas City has experienced an uptick in violent crime rates. However, it remains an affordable large city with plenty to do, including shopping, dining and sporting activities.
Livability: 77
Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,778
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,556
Read Next: Don’t Buy a House in These 10 US Cities: Growing Populations and Overcrowding
39. Lafayette, Indiana
Several major employers have a significant presence in Lafayette, including GE Aviation, Subaru of Indiana Automotive and Cook Biotech. Purdue University is also based in the city.
Livability: 73
Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,905
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,810
40. Cincinnati
Cincinnati has much more to offer than a low cost of living. It has some fascinating architecture and a thriving nightlife scene. Each year, the city hosts the largest Oktoberfest outside the original in Germany.
Livability: 80
Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,043
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,086
41. Waukegan, Illinois
Located about 45 minutes north of Chicago, Waukegan offers inexpensive homes and a low cost of living. Residents find various events to explore, including music festivals and outdoor markets.
Livability: 73
Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,079
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,158
42. Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a thriving hub of manufacturing and aviation companies, including Altec, Ikonics and Cirrus Aircraft, which helps keep unemployment rates low.
Livability: 77
Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,470
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,939
Check Out: I’m a Home Staging Expert: Watch Out for These 5 Staging Red Flags When You’re Buying a Home
43. Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois is in Champaign, which attracts academics and students to the small town. Residents can take advantage of the city’s many green spaces and nature trails.
Livability: 81
Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,496
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,991
44. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus offers a variety of employment opportunities at major companies, including AEP, Nationwide Insurance and Hexion, Inc. Several retailers also have a big presence, such as Bath and Body Works, Big Lots and Abercrombie & Fitch.
Livability: 79
Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,824
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $83,648
45. Southfield, Michigan
Southfield is a suburb of Detroit and the home to over 10,000 businesses, including Ascension Health, Beaumont Health and Lear Corporation. Aside from its employment opportunities, Southfield has two beautiful golf courses and numerous shopping and dining options.
Livability: 71
Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,014
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,028
46. Wyoming, Michigan
Wyoming is a Grand Rapids suburb that attracts families seeking a peaceful atmosphere for their kids.
Livability: 76
Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,204
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,408
For You: Dave Ramsey: Why You Shouldn’t Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Even If You Can
47. Kenosha, Wisconsin
Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Kenosha is a vibrant community filled with boutiques, restaurants and museums.
Livability: 82
Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,432
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,864
48. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is the home of the Packers, perhaps the most storied NFL franchise, but it has other things to offer, too — like a low cost of living.
Livability: 70
Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,596
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $85,191
49. Joliet, Illinois
Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Joliet attracts people seeking affordable rents within commuting distance of the big city. Expect a close-knit community with a relatively low crime rate.
Livability: 75
Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,925
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $85,849
50. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a leading producer of furniture, and several of its largest companies are furniture manufacturers, including Herman Miller and Steelcase.
Livability: 83
Total Annual Cost of Living: $43,023
Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $86,047
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These Are the 50 Cheapest Major Midwest Cities — But Are They Good Places To Live?