5 Cheapest States to Live in America: 2026 Cost & Safety Guide

Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama are the cheapest states to live in America in 2026 based on current cost-of-living data.

The savings are real. Housing costs are lower, groceries stretch further, and taxes are often more favorable than in high-cost states. But there is a catch that most affordability rankings ignore: several of these states also have violent crime rates above the national average.

That does not mean they are bad places to live. It means choosing the right city matters just as much as choosing the right state. Jackson, Mississippi and Madison, Mississippi may exist in the same state, but they offer completely different living experiences. The same is true for Birmingham versus Hoover, or Wichita versus Overland Park.

The smartest relocation decisions balance affordability with safety, job opportunities, and long-term quality of life. This guide covers the five cheapest states to live in America, the safest cities within each state, and the practical steps new movers can take to protect their homes during the critical first months after relocating.

What the Cost-of-Living Index Actually Measures

A cost-of-living index tells you how much cheaper or more expensive a state is compared to the national average, but it does not tell you whether that state is the right place to live.

The national baseline is 100. Any score below 100 means living expenses are lower than average. The further below 100 a state falls, the more affordable it becomes relative to the rest of the country.

The 2026 scores for the five cheapest states are:

These scores represent meaningful savings of roughly 11% to 15% compared to the national average.

The calculation includes:

• Housing costs
• Average rent
• Median home prices
• Utilities
• Groceries
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• State tax burden
• Median income purchasing power

What the index does not measure includes:

• Crime rates
• School quality
• Healthcare access
• Job opportunities
• Community amenities
• Distance from family and support networks

That limitation matters. Knowing a state's index score helps estimate monthly expenses. Understanding the specific city you plan to move to is what determines whether the relocation succeeds long term.

For methodology reference, see the latest cost-of-living rankings from North American Moving Services.

Pro Tip: If you're already planning your move, the Reolink Solution Finder can help identify camera setups suited to apartments, suburban homes, and larger properties.

The 5 Cheapest States to Live in America in 2026

Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama offer the lowest cost-of-living scores in the country, but each achieves affordability through a different combination of housing costs, taxes, wages, and economic opportunities.

1. Mississippi

"The Mississippi Capitol building is prominent in this aerial view of Jackson" by Carol M. Highsmith is licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0 / Resized from original.

Cost-of-Living Index: 85.3

Mississippi is the cheapest state in the US because its cost-of-living index of 85.3 sits roughly 15% below the national average, but new residents should focus on Madison or Brandon rather than Jackson.

Housing drives much of the affordability. Median home prices average roughly $172,654, while a typical two-bedroom apartment rents for approximately $991 per month. Mississippi reduced its grocery sales tax to 5% in 2025, down from 7%, though groceries remain taxable.

The challenge is income. Average annual salaries hover around $50,180, the lowest statewide average in America. That makes Mississippi especially attractive for retirees, remote workers earning out-of-state salaries, and professionals in education, healthcare, and government roles where local pay remains competitive.

Safety requires more attention. As per FBI data, Jackson, Mississippi has the highest homicide rate in the United States at approximately 78 per 100,000 residents. For newcomers unfamiliar with local neighborhoods, Jackson creates significant risk exposure.

Fortunately, safer alternatives exist nearby. Madison, MS consistently ranks as the safest city in the state. Brandon, MS, located roughly 11 miles east of Jackson, combines strong population growth with low crime rates. Hernando, MS has ranked among Mississippi's safest cities for multiple consecutive years.

For anyone attracted by Mississippi's affordability, Madison and Brandon offer a far better balance of cost savings and safety than Jackson.

2. Oklahoma

"Oklahoma city downtown.JPG" by Urbanative is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Resized from original.

Cost-of-Living Index: 86.0
Oklahoma often makes a stronger all-around relocation choice than Mississippi because it combines affordability with better income potential and a broader job market.

Its 86.0 cost-of-living index places it only slightly behind Mississippi. Median home prices average around $171,057, while two-bedroom rents average approximately $999 per month. Property taxes remain below national averages, and Oklahoma does not tax Social Security benefits.

Income-to-expense ratios are stronger than many people expect. The state's median household income sits around $60,096, while the estimated living wage is roughly $15.75 per hour.

Employment opportunities are also more diversified. Major industries include:

• Energy and oil production
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing

Tulsa remains an energy hub, while the Oklahoma City region benefits from Tinker Air Force Base and a growing aerospace sector.

Crime remains a concern statewide, but trends have improved significantly since the pandemic. Among Oklahoma's larger cities, Edmond, Broken Arrow, and Norman consistently report lower crime rates. Edmond consistently ranks among Oklahoma's safest communities, while Norman benefits from university-driven community investment and active local policing.

For budget-conscious movers who want low costs without Mississippi's income limitations, Oklahoma is often the more versatile option.

3. Kansas

"Kansas city (16778782291).jpg" by Dean Hochman is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / Resized from original.

Cost-of-Living Index: 87.7
Kansas offers the strongest combination of affordability, income potential, and suburban safety among the five cheapest states.

Its 87.7 cost-of-living index remains well below the national average, but Kansas stands apart because median household income reaches approximately $75,979, the highest among the five most affordable states. That creates exceptional purchasing power.

Housing costs remain manageable, tax burdens stay relatively moderate, and wages outperform neighboring states.

Kansas benefits from several economic engines:

• Aerospace manufacturing in Wichita
• Agriculture
• Technology growth in Johnson County
• Financial services

Kansas does have a violent crime rate of roughly 438.7 per 100,000 residents, ranking among the higher state totals nationally. However, that statistic is heavily influenced by Wichita and parts of Kansas City, Kansas.

The safer story lies elsewhere.

Overland Park consistently ranks among the safest large cities in America. Lenexa and Manhattan also offer strong safety profiles, stable housing markets, and highly rated schools.

For families relocating from California, Washington, New York, or New Jersey, Overland Park represents one of the strongest value propositions in the country: lower housing costs, strong schools, low crime, and excellent income opportunities. Driveway security cameras ensure you go the extra mile for safety.

4. Missouri

"St Louis night expblend.jpg" by Daniel Schwen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Resized from original.

Cost-of-Living Index: 88.4

Missouri is the fourth most affordable state in America, and where you choose to live within the state matters more than almost anywhere else on this list.

Its 88.4 cost-of-living index remains comfortably below the national average. Missouri residents benefit from below-average utility costs, relatively low property taxes, and no state sales tax on groceries.
The state's median household income sits around $70,702, while the estimated living wage is approximately $16.29 per hour. Housing remains accessible across much of the state, especially compared to coastal markets.

Missouri's economy is stronger than many outsiders realize. Major employers include:

• BJC HealthCare
• SSM Health
• Edward Jones
• Wells Fargo Advisors
• Numerous logistics and transportation companies

Crime statistics require context. Missouri records a violent crime rate of approximately 462 incidents per 100,000 residents, one of the highest rates among the five cheapest states. However, that figure is heavily concentrated in St. Louis and portions of Kansas City rather than being representative of the state as a whole.

New movers should instead focus on Lee's Summit, O'Fallon, and St. Charles. Lee's Summit consistently ranks among Missouri's safest communities while still providing access to Kansas City employment opportunities. O'Fallon and St. Charles offer similar advantages for people seeking access to St. Louis jobs without taking on urban-core crime exposure.

For professionals who want affordability paired with a diversified economy, Missouri remains one of the strongest relocation options available.

5. Alabama

"Aerial view of Montgomery, Alabama LCCN2011646683.jpg" by Carol M. Highsmith is licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0 / Resized from original.

Cost-of-Living Index: 88.8

Alabama rounds out the top five with low housing costs and one of the fastest-growing manufacturing economies in the Southeast.

Its 88.8 cost-of-living index remains nearly 11% below the national average. Median home prices average approximately $172,800, while a typical two-bedroom apartment rents for roughly $1,005 per month.

Transportation costs, healthcare expenses, and property ownership costs all remain favorable compared to national averages.

The job market is stronger than many affordability rankings suggest. Major economic drivers include:

• Mercedes-Benz manufacturing
• Honda manufacturing
• Hyundai manufacturing
• Boeing
• Redstone Arsenal
• Aerospace and defense contractors in Huntsville

Alabama's unemployment rate has remained near historic lows, hovering around 2.7%, making it one of the more stable labor markets in the region.

Crime, however, requires city-level analysis. According to FBI data, Birmingham's homicide rate reached approximately 59 per 100,000 residents, placing it among the highest in the nation.

Fortunately, the safest relocation options sit nearby. Hoover consistently ranks among Alabama's safest cities and provides easy access to Birmingham-area employment. Vestavia Hills offers strong schools and low crime.
Madison, Alabama, located near Huntsville, has become particularly attractive for aerospace, engineering, and technology professionals.

Unlike Mississippi, Alabama combines affordability with expanding employment opportunities. For skilled workers in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense, it often represents one of the strongest long-term relocation choices on this list.

Why Safety Should Be Part of Your Relocation Budget

Several of the cheapest states to live in America have violent crime rates above the US national average, but understanding how crime is distributed matters far more than looking at statewide rankings alone.

Based on FBI data, the national violent crime rate fell to approximately 359.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, the lowest level recorded since 1969. Preliminary estimates indicate violent crime declined another 9.3% through 2025.

The more important insight for movers is that state crime statistics are often driven by a small number of cities. The same state that contains a high-crime urban core can also contain suburbs that are significantly safer than the national average.

Examples include:

• Overland Park, Kansas
• Lee's Summit, Missouri
• Madison, Mississippi
• Brandon, Mississippi
• Hoover, Alabama

These communities regularly outperform national averages for public safety despite existing inside states that rank higher for violent crime overall.
The relocation process itself also creates a unique vulnerability window.

When you move somewhere new:

• You do not yet know your neighbors.
• Moving trucks signal that valuables are in transit.
• Packages arrive frequently.
• Boxes remain visible around the property.
• You have not yet developed local awareness.

That combination makes the first few months after relocation statistically more vulnerable than normal daily life.

Three practical steps can dramatically improve decision-making before signing a lease or purchase contract:

1. Review neighborhood-level data using the FBI Crime Data Explorer
2. Visit the neighborhood during daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
3. Speak directly with nearby residents about their experience living there.

Security cameras also help during this transition period because they provide visibility before local familiarity develops. A front-door camera and a second camera covering the primary outdoor entry point usually cover the highest-risk areas without requiring a complex installation.

For renters and homeowners who are still learning the neighborhood, battery-powered cameras often provide the fastest setup.

Reolink Product Recommendations

The first weeks after moving are when simple security measures make the biggest difference. The goal is not to build a complex surveillance system on day one. It is to create visibility while you learn your surroundings.

The three options below match different mover profiles, from renters who need flexibility to homeowners who want permanent coverage.

Reolink Argus 4 Pro: Best for Renters and Cable-Free Outdoor Coverage

The Reolink Argus 4 Pro is the best option for renters who need outdoor coverage without running cables.

Its standout feature is a 180-degree field of view, which allows one camera to cover an entire driveway, front yard, or parking area from a single mounting point.

The Argus 4 Pro works particularly well for apartment renters, townhouse residents, and families moving into rental homes who want immediate outdoor coverage while learning their new neighborhood.

Something worth noting about the Reolink Argus 4 Pro is battery management. High-traffic locations may require recharging every four to eight weeks if the optional solar panel is not installed.

Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi: Best for Screening Visitors in an Unfamiliar Neighborhood

The Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi helps new homeowners identify visitors before opening the door.

When you move into a new area, you do not yet recognize neighbors, delivery drivers, contractors, or unexpected visitors. Head-to-toe coverage and package detection help fill that information gap immediately.

The Video Doorbell WiFi is ideal for homeowners replacing an existing wired doorbell who want smart detection without recurring subscription fees.

The trade-off is installation. The system requires wired power. Homes without existing doorbell wiring may need an adapter or a brief installation project.

Reolink RLC-823A: Best for Homeowners Who Need Wide-Area Coverage from One Camera

The Reolink RLC-823A is designed for homeowners with larger lots, long driveways, and wider property layouts.

Instead of installing multiple fixed cameras, the RLC-823A uses pan-tilt-zoom functionality to cover large areas from a single mounting position.
This camera fits suburban homeowners in places like Overland Park, Lee's Summit, Hoover, and Madison who want broad perimeter visibility from a single device.

The trade-off is that it requires running an Ethernet cable to the mounting location. That being said, most homeowners can complete installation with a handyman in one to two hours.

FAQs

What is the cheapest state to live in America in 2026?

Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in America in 2026 with a cost-of-living index of 85.3, making it roughly 15% cheaper than the national average.
The state's affordability comes from low housing prices, average two-bedroom rents around $991 per month, low property taxes, and favorable grocery tax policies. The trade-off is lower average salaries, which is why Mississippi often works best for retirees and remote workers earning outside income.

Is it safe to move to a cheap state?

Yes, but choosing the right city matters far more than choosing the right state.

Four of the five cheapest states exceed the national violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 residents, according to FBI 2024 data. However, safe cities like Madison, Mississippi; Overland Park, Kansas; and Lee's Summit, Missouri perform significantly better than state averages.

Crime is also trending downward nationally, with violent crime falling 4.5% in 2024 and an estimated 9.3% through 2025.

Before relocating, review neighborhood-level data.

Do I need a home security camera when moving to a new state?

New movers face unique security challenges because valuables are in transit, packages arrive frequently, and local awareness has not yet developed.

A camera covering the front door and a second camera monitoring the primary outdoor entry point creates visibility during the settling-in period. Battery-powered options like the Reolink Argus 4 Pro can be active within minutes of arrival and require no permanent installation.

Because Reolink cameras support local storage, there are no mandatory monthly subscription fees to add to relocation expenses.

What is the cheapest state to buy a house in America?

By median home price alone, West Virginia ranks first at approximately $143,200, followed closely by Mississippi at roughly $145,600.

However, purchase price is only one piece of affordability. Property taxes, insurance costs, maintenance expenses, and utilities all affect long-term ownership costs. That is why overall cost-of-living rankings often provide a better comparison than home prices alone.

Which cheap state has the best job market for skilled workers?

Kansas offers the strongest combination of affordability and income potential among the five cheapest states.

Its median household income of approximately $75,979 leads the group and is supported by aerospace manufacturing, agriculture, technology growth, and financial services. Oklahoma and Alabama also offer strong opportunities in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and energy.

Finding the Right Balance Between Cost and Safety

The best relocation decision is rarely about finding the absolute cheapest state. It is about finding the best balance between affordability, safety, and income opportunities.

Remote workers and retirees often benefit most from places like Madison or Brandon, Mississippi, or Edmond, Oklahoma. Families with professional incomes frequently find the strongest overall value in Overland Park, Kansas, or Lee's Summit, Missouri. Aerospace, manufacturing, and defense workers often discover Alabama's Madison and Hoover communities offer the best combination of job growth and affordability.

Once the move is planned, security should be one of the first items addressed rather than an afterthought. To find the right setup for your new home, visit the Reolink Solution Finder.