6 Southern Zip Codes That are Just as Cheap as Mexico, Portugal and Costa Rica

If you have friends or family who have been looking for places like Mexico or Costa Rica to find affordable housing outside the United States, you’re not alone. They may even have inspired you to look at similar locations for a possible move to find a cheaper place to live.

Before you settle on a place like Mexico, Portugal or Costa Rica, here are six Southern ZIP codes where you can find equally cheap housing options.

To find out which ZIP codes have homes for less than $100,000, GOBankingRates isolated the 50 largest Southern ZIP codes that had 2024 home values fitting the criteria. Keep in mind you may be able to find even better deals by searching in the ZIP code of your choice.

If you’re looking for a fun Southern city with affordable housing, you might want to explore Jackson. The 2024 home value here is about $64,000, according to Zillow.

Jackson, the state’s capital and largest city, has been described as having a soulful atmosphere filled with museums, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife scene.

You may know Shreveport has great food – but this Louisiana city has much more to offer. The 2024 home value in Shreveport is about $39,000, according to Realtor.com.

Not only will you find affordable housing and great restaurants in Shreveport, you’ll find a welcoming city full of Southern charm. According to ApartmentGuide, “Welcome to the charming city of Shreveport, where Southern hospitality meets vibrant culture and rich history.”

Another place to check out Louisiana for cheaper living is Monroe. According to Explore Louisiana, Monroe is full of Bayou charm and cultural delights.

How affordable is Monroe? According to Payscale, housing expenses are about 27% lower than the national average, utility prices are around 17% lower and gas prices are about 15% lower than the national average.

Who wouldn’t want to live in the birthplace of the Blues? Not only will you find Southern Charm in Memphis, but you’ll find affordable living and nice neighborhoods.

Memphis offers a dense suburban feel with lots of parks. As you might expect, the city is home to lots of families and young professionals.

According to Explore Georgia, “Set along the Chattahoochee River on the border with Alabama, Columbus has become a popular spot for outdoor lovers with the longest urban whitewater course in the world and a zip line across the river.” If outdoor events aren’t quite your thing, Columbus has a thriving downtown.

According to the GOBankingRates analysis, the 2024 home value in Columbus is about $61,000. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable cities in the state.

The home of the Kentucky Derby and good Southern cuisine may be a place to check out for affordable living. The 2024 home value in Louisville is about $79,000, according to Zillow.

In addition to racing, Louisville has a vibrant arts and culture scene. According to Rent, “The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with tight-knit neighborhoods and a strong spirit of volunteerism.”