The Midwest is a region that often gets overlooked, but it offers some of the most affordable places to live in the United States. These cities offer a lower cost of living, while still providing the amenities and opportunities of larger cities. The cost of living in a particular area is often measured by a cost-of-living index, where 100 represents the national average. A cost-of-living index lower than 100 indicates a cheaper cost of living relative to the national average. Based on the cost-of-living index, here are the 10 most affordable cities in the Midwest:
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Kalamazoo, Michigan - Cost-of-living index: 77.5. Situated in southwestern Michigan, Kalamazoo boasts a diverse and vibrant community. It's home to several colleges and universities, and offers a blend of cultural events, festivals, and recreational activities. Kalamazoo is known for its active downtown area, with a rich arts scene, unique restaurants, and locally-owned shops.
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Decatur, Illinois - Cost-of-living index: 80.0. Located in the heart of Illinois, Decatur offers a friendly small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities. It is a city known for its manufacturing history, and today it offers an affordable cost of living with numerous recreational activities, parks, and events. Decatur is home to several historic sites, including the Millikin Homestead and the Decatur Transfer House.
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Joplin, Missouri - Cost-of-living index: 82.0. Joplin is a small city located in the southwestern corner of Missouri. It offers a low cost of living and a high quality of life. The city is home to numerous parks, museums, and cultural attractions, as well as a bustling downtown area. Joplin is also known for its historic architecture and scenic beauty.
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Ashland, Ohio - Cost-of-living index: 82.5. Ashland is a charming small city located in the heart of Ohio. It's known for its welcoming community, strong educational institutions, and recreational opportunities. Ashland offers a lower cost of living compared to many other areas in Ohio, and it's known for its picturesque downtown area, beautiful parks, and vibrant arts scene.
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Topeka, Kansas - Cost-of-living index: 82.5. As the state capital of Kansas, Topeka offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability. The city boasts numerous museums, historic sites, and parks, and it's known for its active community and arts scene. Topeka offers a lower cost of living compared to many other state capitals, and it's an ideal place to live for those who enjoy a blend of urban and rural living.
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Salina, Kansas - Cost-of-living index: 82.7. Located in the heart of Kansas, Salina offers a low cost of living and a high quality of life. It's known for its friendly community, active arts scene, and recreational opportunities. Salina is home to several colleges and universities, and it's a city that offers a mix of rural charm and urban amenities.
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Richmond, Indiana - Cost-of-living index: 82.9. Richmond is a city located in eastern Indiana, near the Ohio border. It's known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and affordable cost of living. Richmond is home to several historic sites, museums, and parks, and it's a city that offers a welcoming community and a slower pace of life.
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Danville, Illinois - Cost-of-living index: 83.6. Located in eastern Illinois, near the Indiana border, Danville offers a low cost of living and a vibrant community. The city is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. Danville is home to several parks, museums, and historic sites, and it's a city that offers a unique blend of urban and rural living.
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Pittsburg, Kansas - Cost-of-living index: 84.9. Pittsburg is a small city located in southeastern Kansas. It's known for its affordable cost of living, strong educational institutions, and friendly community. Pittsburg is home to several parks, museums, and cultural attractions, and it's a city that offers a mix of small-town charm and urban amenities.
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Akron, Ohio - Cost-of-living index: 85.9. Akron is a city located in northeastern Ohio, and it's known for its affordable cost of living, diverse community, and strong economy. The city is home to several parks, museums, and cultural attractions, and it offers a mix of historic and modern architecture. Akron is known for its active arts scene, unique restaurants, and locally-owned shops.
The Midwest offers some of the most affordable places to live in the United States. These cities offer a low cost of living, while still providing the amenities and opportunities of larger cities. From vibrant arts scenes to historic sites, these cities offer a unique blend of urban and rural living that's ideal for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle.
