Cheapest States to Live In for Affordable Flats

Rising rent got you stressed? You’re not alone. So many people are giving up pricey city living and searching for a place where a paycheck stretches way further. If you want the cheapest states to live in, especially if you’re renting, you’ll want to know exactly where you’ll get the best value—not just for housing, but for groceries, transportation, and the stuff you buy every week.

Turns out, there are a few states that consistently top “cheapest places to live” lists, especially if you’re on the hunt for an affordable flat. The trick isn’t just looking at rent. Local wages, utility costs, taxes, and what you get for your money also matter big time. It’s not just about getting a cheap apartment, but finding a place where daily life isn’t a grind on your budget. Ready to see where your dollar works hardest? Let’s break down what makes a state truly “cheap,” then dive into the top three picks you’ll want to seriously consider.

• Why Cost of Living Matters for Renters
• How We Ranked the Cheapest States
• Mississippi: Big Savings, Laid-Back Living
• Arkansas: Budget-Friendly and Unexpected Perks
• Oklahoma: Low Rent, Surprising City Vibes

Why Cost of Living Matters for Renters

If you’re looking for flats for rent, you can’t just focus on rent alone. Cost of living is the big deal here. It’s everything you spend in a month—think rent, groceries, utilities, gas, and even health care. Ignoring those extras can wreck your budget fast, especially if higher prices sneak up where you least expect them.

Here’s why cost of living is a game changer: If you pay less for rent but shell out way more for transportation or groceries, you’re not really saving. Let’s break it down with some real numbers. In states like California and New York, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city is easily $1,800 or more. Compare that to a cheap state where you might pay less than $800 for something similar. That’s a monthly difference you’ll definitely feel.

Check out how average expenses stack up in pricey states versus the cheapest ones for a single person:

That’s a massive difference—over $1,200 extra each month just to cover the basics. More savings means you can afford better internet, save up for a trip, or simply stress less about bills. The cheapest states to live in don’t just help with rent—they make pretty much every part of your monthly budget way easier to handle.

What should you keep an eye on when picking a place? Watch for:

• Average rent for a one-bedroom flat (urban and rural areas can vary a lot)
• Utility rates, like for electricity and internet
• Prices at local supermarkets and markets
• How much it costs to get around (public transport or owning a car)

Finding the cheapest states means you’re not just saving on rent—you’re scoring savings pretty much everywhere else too.

How We Ranked the Cheapest States

When most people think about cheap living, rent is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s more to it. To nail down the real cost of living, I looked at a mix of hard numbers and actual renter experiences. Here’s what went into the rankings:

• Cheapest states with the lowest median rent for a one-bedroom flat, based on real listings from 2024.
• Cost of groceries and daily stuff—think eggs, milk, bread, and other basics you buy every week. I checked actual prices from stores in each state.
• Average utility bills, including electricity, water, and internet, since that monthly shock can add up fast.
• How much folks earn on average—because even if rent is cheap, low wages can wipe out those savings.
• Taxes and fees that might sneak up, like state income tax or high car registration costs if you’re moving from out of state.

I relied on real data from sources like Zillow, the U.S. Census, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, along with advice from locals posted online. If a state had low rent but sky-high groceries or utilities, it didn’t make the top three. The goal? Show you where your day-to-day spending truly drops so you can actually save—not just on paper, but in your real life.

Mississippi: Big Savings, Laid-Back Living

If you’re looking for the cheapest states to live, Mississippi shoots straight to the top. Rent prices here stay way below the national average, and that’s really just the start. In most Mississippi cities, you can find a simple one-bedroom flat for around $750 a month. Plenty of folks even score decent two-bedrooms closer to $900, depending on the city.

Mississippi’s not just low on rent; groceries and other basics cost less too. Official stats put the cost of living here at about 15% lower than the national average. Gas, utility bills, and even restaurant meals all come cheaper compared to big cities. That means you not only save on your flat—your paycheck goes further on everything else.

Renters also love how leases are usually pretty simple, and landlords tend to be flexible about deposits and pets (but of course, always check the details). You’ll find apartments in smaller complexes, duplexes, and even old-school houses split into flats—nothing fancy, but often roomier than you’d think for the price.

• Locals say traffic’s never really a headache, so getting around is easy.
• Most flats come with free parking, a real bonus if you’re used to fighting for a spot in bigger cities.
• Mississippi weather is mild, but you’ll want to budget for higher electric bills in the summer—A/C is a must.

If you’re working remote or just need a solid place that doesn’t eat all your money, Mississippi’s relaxed pace and wallet-friendly rents make it tough to beat. Areas like Jackson and Hattiesburg have all the basics, with enough shops, gyms, and food joints to cover your needs—without big-city price tags. Easy living, low rent, and less stress: That’s the Mississippi vibe in a nutshell.

Arkansas: Budget-Friendly and Unexpected Perks

If you’ve never thought about Arkansas as your next home, you’re missing out on some genuine bargains. It’s actually one of the most wallet-friendly states—for real. The average rent for a one-bedroom flat sits around $790 a month, and that’s not just for the small towns. Even in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville, you can lock in a nice place without the crazy price tags you see in other states.

The cost of living here is super low compared to national averages. Most things you pay for daily—like groceries or a doctor’s visit—cost less. Property taxes are low, and utilities barely make a dent in your monthly budget. Bottom line: your paycheck goes further in Arkansas.

But Arkansas isn’t just about cheap rent or groceries. You get some pretty cool perks other states don’t offer. Outdoor fans love it because you can hike, kayak, or just chill out in places like the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park—without spending much. There’s a decent music and food scene in the bigger towns and a bunch of farmer’s markets to keep your fridge full with local stuff. More companies are hiring remote workers, so people can afford a bigger or nicer flat and still get a taste of small-city life.

If you’re considering Arkansas for flats for rent, here are some pro tips:

• Start your search in both cities and smaller college towns—rents can be even lower in places like Conway or Jonesboro.
• Ask landlords about utility packages, as some include water or even Wi-Fi.
• Check if your area qualifies for state rental assistance or local housing bonus programs—they pop up more often than you’d expect.
• Be quick: good deals move fast, especially within walking distance to major employers or universities.

Arkansas isn’t all about low prices—it’s the mix of affordability, friendly neighbors, and those hidden lifestyle perks. If you want a place where your money feels like it actually buys something, Arkansas definitely deserves a top spot on your list.

Oklahoma: Low Rent, Surprising City Vibes

Oklahoma often flies under the radar, but ask anyone paying rent here and they’ll tell you—it’s one of the best-kept secrets for cheap living. Average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Oklahoma City hovers around $850 a month, and you can find places even cheaper if you look outside the bigger cities. Tulsa is pretty similar, with many safe, clean flats under $900. That’s less than half what lots of people shell out in cities like Austin or Denver.

This state isn’t just about saving on rent. Groceries, utilities, and public transport all run below the national average. For example, you’ll pay about 10-15% less on groceries compared to neighboring Texas. Utilities are manageable too—the average monthly electric bill in Oklahoma is about $120, which is kinder to your wallet than places up north.

Some folks worry Oklahoma might be too quiet, but that’s not the case in its main cities. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a growing food scene, packed weekend events, and local music. The Thunder NBA games aren’t just a thing for sports fans; they turn into city-wide hangouts. Farmers’ markets, local breweries, and quirky coffee shops are easy to find in most neighborhoods, so you won’t be bored when you’re not at home.

Here’s a quick glance at how Oklahoma stacks up for renters:

If you’re tempted, here are a few tips for finding a great flat in Oklahoma:

• Look for deals in neighborhoods just outside downtown—you’ll pay less and mostly just add a few extra minutes to your commute.
• Consider apartments in smaller complexes; they often have lower rents than the big, fancy buildings.
• Keep an eye on local Facebook groups and Craigslist. Good spots go fast, but you might get lucky and find move-in specials.

When you talk about the cheapest states for renters, Oklahoma always lands near the top. There’s real value here, and you still get plenty of city energy—just without the crazy price tag.