The Most Affordable U.S. States for Single-Adult Living: A Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Planning a relocation but worried about skyrocketing expenses? A detailed examination of residential costs across all 50 U.S. states reveals which regions offer the most budget-friendly living situations for single adults. Using state-level expenditure data and current housing valuations, researchers identified which states deliver the lowest overall monthly financial commitments.

Understanding the Cost Landscape

Monthly expenses for single residents vary dramatically depending on location. Some states with the lowest cost of living cluster in the South and Great Plains, while others surprise with their affordability despite regional perceptions. The analysis examined six critical spending categories: food expenses, medical care, utility bills, vehicle-related costs, housing payments, and miscellaneous spending.

The South’s Affordability Advantage

Southern states dominate the most-affordable rankings. Oklahoma emerges as the nation’s cheapest state for single living, boasting a cost-of-living index of 86.2. Typical monthly expenses include groceries at $321.04, healthcare around $315.30, utilities at $284.21, transportation costs of $676.06, and average mortgage payments of $1,239.21.

Mississippi ranks second with an index of 86.3, featuring comparable pricing across most categories. Moving north through the South, Kansas (87.1 index), West Virginia (87.7), and Alabama (88.3) round out the exceptionally affordable tier. These states with the lowest cost of living consistently show housing as the primary expense driver, though mortgage values remain substantially below national medians.

Central Plains and Midwest Options

The Great Plains region provides additional affordable alternatives. Missouri presents an index of 88.5 with balanced expenses across all categories. Arkansas follows at 89, while Tennessee and Iowa both register 90.3 indexes.

Moving to the upper Midwest, Michigan (90.6), Georgia (90.8), and Nebraska (90.9) maintain budget-friendly profiles. Louisiana offers an index of 91, rounding out the lower-cost tier with strong affordability in utilities and housing relative to national figures.

Upper Tier but Still Accessible

Several states with the lowest cost of living fall slightly higher but remain significantly cheaper than national averages. Indiana presents a 91.1 index, Kentucky at 92, and South Dakota and Wyoming both at 92.4.

Illinois registers 92.1, Texas reaches 92.7, and New Mexico tops this group at 94. Even these higher-ranked states within the affordable spectrum demonstrate that strategic relocation can substantially reduce monthly expenses for single residents.

Key Expense Breakdown Across Regions

Groceries typically range from $321-$347 monthly, with minimal regional variation. Healthcare costs show more fluctuation, from lows around $285 (Kentucky) to highs near $341 (Georgia). Utility expenses demonstrate significant savings potential, ranging from $243 (Louisiana) to $308 (Kansas and Indiana).

Transportation costs remain relatively consistent at $640-$751 monthly, while housing represents the most variable expense. Mortgage payments span from just under $1,000 (West Virginia) to over $2,000 (Wyoming and Georgia), substantially impacting total monthly budgets.

Methodology and Data Sources

This comprehensive examination sourced housing valuations from current real estate databases, expenditure figures from national consumer surveys, and regional cost-of-living indexes from economic research institutions. The analysis assumes standard financing parameters (10% down payment, 30-year mortgage terms at prevailing national rates) to ensure consistent comparison across all states with the lowest cost of living.

All data reflects current market conditions as of early 2024, providing single adults with actionable insights for relocation decisions. By targeting states offering both low recurring expenses and affordable housing markets, individuals can meaningfully reduce their financial burden and accelerate wealth-building goals.