4 Most Affordable Small Cities To Live in the Midwest
Written by
Kathryn Jackson
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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The Midwest region of the United States has a vastly rich landscape from farmlands to picturesque mountains. In this area, known as the “Heartland of America” or “The Breadbasket,” there are a number of major urban areas, including Chicago; Indianapolis; Detroit; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; St. Louis, Missouri and Minneapolis.
There are also many smaller cities that offer many of the perks of big-city living without the high cost of living.
Take a look at four affordable cities in the Midwest.
Normal, Illinois
- Cost of living for an individual: $2,667 monthly
- Cost of living for a family: $3,360 monthly
- Average home cost: $209,800
- Two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,000 per month
The cost of living in Normal, which includes grocery, healthcare, housing, utilities and transportation, is $2,667 per month for individuals — 44.1% less than the national average. Families can reside in Normal for $3,360 a month, which is about 38% less expensive than the national average.
The average home cost is also around 38% less expensive than the national average, while rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about 30% less expensive.
Bloomington, Illinois
- Cost of living for an individual: $2,867 monthly
- Cost of living for a family: $3,330 monthly
- Average home cost: $208,600
- Two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,060 per month
For individuals, Bloomington’s cost of living is approximately 40% less expensive than the national average, but for families, it’s 38.3% less expensive.
Also, the average cost of housing is 38.3% less expensive than the national average of $338,100, and renting a two-bedroom apartment is 25.9% cheaper than the national average of $1,430.
Lansing, Michigan
- Cost of living for an individual: $2,733 monthly
- Cost of living for a family: $2,040 monthly
- Average home cost: $127,100
- Two-bedroom apartment rent: $1,010 per month
The cost for individuals to live in Lansing is 42.7% less expensive than the national average. For families, it’s 62.2% less expensive.
When looking to rent a two-bedroom apartment, it’s 29.4% cheaper than the national average, while average home prices are 62.4% less expensive than the national average.
Appleton, Wisconsin
- Cost of living for an individual: $2,500 monthly
- Cost of living for a family: $3,570 monthly
- Average home cost: $222,800
- Two-bedroom apartment rent: $960 per month
Families that are interested in residing in Appleton will find that the cost of living is 33.9% less expensive than the national average, and for individuals, it is 47.6% less expensive.
Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Appleton is about 33% cheaper than the national average, and home prices are approximately 34% less expensive than the national average.
Editor’s note: Cost-of-living data was sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and is accurate as of Dec. 18, 2024.
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