Where to Find Affordable Living in the US Without Sacrificing Safety

When searching for least expensive places to live in the US, the challenge often lies in balancing financial considerations with personal security. A comprehensive analysis of American cities reveals that numerous communities successfully blend both elements. Ohio dominates the findings with seven cities making the list, suggesting the state offers particular value for budget-conscious individuals seeking secure neighborhoods.

Discovering Budget-Friendly Communities Across America

The research examined violent crime statistics from FBI data alongside total annual living expenses, identifying municipalities where residents enjoy both low crime rates and manageable costs. These locations range from small towns under 15,000 residents to mid-sized cities exceeding 50,000 people.

The Most Affordable and Secure Cities

1. New Philadelphia, Ohio

• Population: 17,563
• Annual living cost: $35,549
• Home value: $186,258
• Monthly mortgage: $1,101
• Livability score: 76
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.69
• Property crime (per 1,000): 1.50

2. New Ulm, Minnesota

• Population: 14,066
• Annual living cost: $36,361
• Home value: $222,693
• Monthly mortgage: $1,316
• Livability score: 82
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.29
• Property crime (per 1,000): 5.07

3. Parma Heights, Ohio

• Population: 20,616
• Annual living cost: $36,575
• Home value: $196,742
• Monthly mortgage: $1,163
• Livability score: 71
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.39
• Property crime (per 1,000): 2.76

4. San Elizario, Texas

• Population: 10,123
• Annual living cost: $36,738
• Home value: $167,333
• Monthly mortgage: $989
• Livability score: 62
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.10
• Property crime (per 1,000): 1.08

5. Yorktown, Indiana

• Population: 11,617
• Annual living cost: $37,332
• Home value: $218,330
• Monthly mortgage: $1,290
• Livability score: 69
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.42
• Property crime (per 1,000): 5.10

6. Berea, Ohio

• Population: 18,330
• Annual living cost: $37,768
• Home value: $220,573
• Monthly mortgage: $1,303
• Livability score: 77
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.60
• Property crime (per 1,000): 3.69

7. Mount Vernon, Ohio

• Population: 16,802
• Annual living cost: $37,928
• Home value: $225,575
• Monthly mortgage: $1,333
• Livability score: 75
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.42
• Property crime (per 1,000): 4.23

8. Columbus, Indiana

• Population: 51,104
• Annual living cost: $40,402
• Home value: $261,995
• Monthly mortgage: $1,548
• Livability score: 76
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.19
• Property crime (per 1,000): 1.12

9. Butler, Pennsylvania

• Population: 13,306
• Annual living cost: $40,446
• Home value: $229,211
• Monthly mortgage: $1,354
• Livability score: 71
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.20
• Property crime (per 1,000): 6.29

10. Trenton, Michigan

• Population: 18,242
• Annual living cost: $41,641
• Home value: $231,232
• Monthly mortgage: $1,366
• Livability score: 86
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.33
• Property crime (per 1,000): 6.20

11. Hamilton, Ohio

• Population: 63,124
• Annual living cost: $42,726
• Home value: $279,890
• Monthly mortgage: $1,654
• Livability score: 71
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.39
• Property crime (per 1,000): 2.43

12. Orono, Maine

• Population: 10,699
• Annual living cost: $44,036
• Home value: $295,752
• Monthly mortgage: $1,748
• Livability score: 71
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.18
• Property crime (per 1,000): 2.30

13. Brunswick, Ohio

• Population: 35,284
• Annual living cost: $44,251
• Home value: $300,042
• Monthly mortgage: $1,773
• Livability score: 78
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.48
• Property crime (per 1,000): 4.67

14. North Ridgeville, Ohio

• Population: 36,043
• Annual living cost: $44,415
• Home value: $313,398
• Monthly mortgage: $1,852
• Livability score: 75
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.56
• Property crime (per 1,000): 2.88

15. Edwardsville, Illinois

• Population: 26,543
• Annual living cost: $45,323
• Home value: $302,677
• Monthly mortgage: $1,789
• Livability score: 90
• Violent crime (per 1,000): 0.30
• Property crime (per 1,000): 5.79

Key Takeaways

These least expensive places to live in the US demonstrate that affordability doesn’t require compromising on safety. Communities like New Philadelphia, Ohio showcase annual living expenses under $36,000 with strong security records. Meanwhile, larger municipalities such as Columbus, Indiana and Edwardsville, Illinois offer slightly higher costs but provide enhanced amenities and livability scores exceeding 75.

The prevalence of Ohio cities suggests regional economic factors create sustained value for residents. Those prioritizing minimal violent crime rates should consider San Elizario, Texas (0.10 per 1,000) or Orono, Maine (0.18 per 1,000), while individuals seeking established communities might explore cities with populations above 35,000.

Research Methodology: Data sourcing included FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow Home Value Index (January 2025), Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes. The analysis identified 110 safest cities with populations exceeding 10,000, then ranked them by total annual living expenses as of February 24, 2025.