These are the top cheapest and safest states to live in the US in 2023

Safety and affordability. These are the two most critical factors that most people take into consideration when deciding upon a place to reside. Finding a state that strikes a balance between safety and cost-effectiveness can offer, well, many advantages. People living in safe cities that have an affordable cost of living report more peace of mind, better financial security, and an enhanced overall quality of life. However good this may sound, finding which states are the safest and most affordable at the same time can be a daunting task. Also, it can be very subjective because of all the possible variables to consider. Crime rates or natural disaster risks? Better healthcare quality or lower cost of living? Making the decisions is not easy. So, to help you get an idea, in this article, we are going to explore safe and affordable states in the USA. Whether you’re a young professional starting to build your life or a retiree looking for a safe environment for your golden years, we’ve got your back. Let’s discover some places! 

Benefits of living in a safe and affordable place

Living in a state that has the benefits of being more accessible financially and being safe at the same time offers lots of benefits that can significantly impact our lives. A few of those are:

Financial stability

A lower cost of living can make it easier to stretch your budget and afford things like housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment. 

Emotional stability and peace of mind

When you live in a safe state, you can have peace of mind and better emotional and mental health, knowing that you and your family are less likely to become the victims of a crime or natural catastrophes. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and help to focus on other areas of your life. 

Quality of life

Living in a safe and affordable state can contribute to a better overall quality of life. Spending less on the cost of living frees you from financial concerns, and you may have more time and energy to enjoy life. You can more easily make time and space for practicing hobbies, saving for traveling, or spending more quality time with friends and family. 

Opportunity for growth

Living in a safe and affordable state can also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Living affordably in a state with a growing economy offers access to a larger volume of better-quality job opportunities you can take advantage of. You can even start a business with less effort or invest in real estate for less. 

Safe and affordable states

Does something like that even exist? – you may ask with a healthy dose of skepticism. It might take a long search, but, in fact, they do exist. There are plenty of places with a good balance of affordability and safety. Even cities with low cost of living and high wages are possible to find. 

Cheapest states

According to the cost of living indexes in each state, these are the most affordable places to live in right now:

Mississippi

16% under the national average, the cost of living seems to be the lowest in this state. Additionally, housing is 34% cheaper than the national average. Unfortunately, some cities in the state don’t rank among the safest places to live, but Mississippi is undoubtedly the least expensive of them all. As with all states, there are safe and less safe areas to consider. Visiting the place in person is also advised before committing to a move. 

Arkansas

Home prices and rent are generally very low in the state of Arkansas. Currently, housing is 21% lower than the national average. The benefits of living here are many: the state boasts impressive natural beauties for outdoors lovers and many cultural events and attractions to enjoy for everyone.

West Virginia

Scenic West Virginia offers a great costs of living, the overall being 79.4 compared to the 100 of the national average. Housing is affordable, and you can get excellent quality of life for modest prices. The outdoor recreation options are endless, and the experiences are unforgettable. It’s an excellent place for those who like to spend time in nature or practice outdoor sports. 

Ohio

Famous for its vibrant art and music scene, Ohio can also be proud of its reasonable living costs. The cost of living is 9% lower than average while housing costs 23% less. There are a lot of entertainment opportunities to enjoy in this state, and Ohio even has a thriving job market to reap the benefits of.

Kansas

The cost of living index in Kansas is currently 16.9% lower than the national average. The city of Topeka is one of the top cheapest cities to live in 2023, and it’s also very safe. The cost of living index consistently appears to be lower than the national average, making this state a popular place to move to.

The safest states of all times in the US

Determining which are the safest states in the Us can be a subjective matter because safety can be measured by so many different standards and expectations. However, there are several metrics that are commonly used to assess safety, like crime rates, natural disaster risks, and healthcare quality. 

Some states have consistently ranked high in safety over the years. Vermont, for example, has been ranked the safest state in the US for several years in a row, while Maine, New Hampshire, and Minnesota have also ranked high in safety. Hawaii, Utah, and Iowa also have a reputation for being very safe. However, it’s important to remember that safety can vary greatly within a state. Looking for city or neighborhood data can help make a better assessment.  

The cheapest of the safest

Some of the safest states also have a relatively low cost of living compared to the national average. Maine has consistently been ranked as one of the safest states in the US and has a reasonably low cost of living compared to other northeastern states. 

Utah has a low crime rate and relatively low cost of living, especially in smaller cities and rural areas outside Salt Lake City. Iowa, North Dakota, and Nebraska are similar in many aspects. 

Focusing on your personal needs and preferences, you can find the perfect place that suits your priorities the most. 

In conclusion,

Living in a state that is both safe and affordable can be a life-changing choice for those who seek peace of mind, financial stability, and a higher quality of life. While there are many factors to consider when choosing your future home, some criteria can help the search. Some states consistently rank high both in safety and affordability, while others fall behind in these criteria. From Maine to North Dakota, there are many states that offer that perfect combination of safety and affordability. Living in a state that is both safe and cheap can provide you with lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth. By thoroughly researching and analyzing, you can make a good decision that fits your unique lifestyle and priorities. With a little research and careful balancing, you will discover the state that best suits your needs and reap the benefits that come with living in a safe and affordable place.