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Is affordable living a myth in the US?
American families have lot on their plate, from exorbitant rent, credit card debt, and college loans, finding an affordable location to settle down may be challenging. Finding an area to live that has both good-paying jobs and modest housing is a challenge. Many American families assume that a town with good wages will also have high housing costs. Fortunately, many cities provide the best of both worlds. Let’s take a look at the best places to live in the US for jobs.
10 best places to live in the US for jobs
1. Birmingham, Alabama
- Typical home value- $90,289
- Typical rent- $1,184
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.0
- Labor force participation rate- 58.9%
- Median household income- $51,254
- Livability score- 65
Birmingham, Alabama, is a vibrant and growing city with a high quality of life and diverse job opportunities. The city has a thriving healthcare industry, with major employers such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and Children’s of Alabama. In addition, Birmingham has a burgeoning technology industry, with startups and established companies choosing the city for its low cost of living and favorable business environment.
Beyond job opportunities, Birmingham is also famous for its friendly Southern charm and cultural attractions, such as the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama Theatre. With a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, Birmingham offers an outstanding balance of affordability and quality of life.
2. Evansville, Indiana
- Typical home value- $168,401
- Typical rent- $826
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.3%
- Labor force participation rate- 62.3%
- Median household income- $57,321
- Livability score- 58
Evansville, Indiana, is a welcoming and affordable city with a strong manufacturing industry anchored by companies such as Berry Global and Accuride Corporation. In addition, the city is home to healthcare providers such as the Deaconess Health System and a range of cultural and recreational activities, including the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
3. Springfield, Missouri
- Typical home value- $213,892
- Typical rent- $1,227
- 2022 unemployment rate- 1.9%
- Labor force participation rate- 63.8%
- Median household income- $55,156
- Livability score- 62
Springfield, Missouri, is a thriving city with a low cost of living and a range of job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and education industries. With top employers such as CoxHealth and Missouri State University, Springfield also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Springfield Art Museum and the Gillioz Theatre. This is one of the best places to live in US for jobs.
4. Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Typical home value- $202,934
- Typical rent- $1,121
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.2%
- Labor force participation rate- 64.9%
- Median household income- $67,090
- Livability score- 75
Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a hidden gem that provides a high quality of life and a range of job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and defense industries. With top employers such as Parkview Health and BAE Systems, Fort Wayne also boasts a variety of cultural attractions, including the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Embassy Theatre. The city is popular for its green spaces, such as the Rivergreenway Trail and the Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, making it a great place to live and work.
5. Huntsville, Alabama
- Typical home value- $257,800
- Typical rent- $1,434
- 2022 unemployment rate- 1.8%
- Labor force participation rate- 62.2%
- Median household income- $84,059
- Livability score- 79
Huntsville, Alabama, is a dynamic city with a strong economy and a rich history. The city is famous as the ‘Rocket City’ due to its long-standing relationship with NASA and the aerospace industry, which has helped to create a thriving technology sector. With top employers such as Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville Hospital. Huntsville also offers a high quality of life, with various cultural attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities.
6. Montgomery, Alabama
- Typical home value- $127,789
- Typical rent- $1,168
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.5%
- Labor force participation rate- 59.6%
- Median household income- $60,908
- Livability score- 65
Montgomery, Alabama, is an enchanting city with a blend of rich history and modern opportunities. As the state capital, it offers a range of job prospects, particularly in government and education sectors. Montgomery also provides a culturally vibrant environment with landmarks such as the Rosa Parks Museum and the historic State Capitol. Its Southern charm, affordable cost of living, and warm community makes it a wonderful place to call home.
7. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Typical home value- $259,208
- Typical rent- $1,199
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.1%
- Labor force participation rate- 71.1%
- Median household income- $83,418
- Livability score- 78
Lincoln, Nebraska, is a flourishing city with a strong job market, particularly in the healthcare, education, and government sectors. With top employers such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Bryan Health, Lincoln offers a high quality of life, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, a vibrant downtown area, and a welcoming community.
8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Typical home value- $173,931
- Typical rent- $1,160
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2.4%
- Labor force participation rate- 64.1%
- Median household income- $52,784
- Livability score- 61
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a lively and culturally rich city that offers a variety of employment opportunities in diverse industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Some of the top employers in the town are Harley-Davidson and Aurora Health Care. In addition, Milwaukee has a thriving arts scene with popular attractions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous outdoor recreational activities.
9. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Typical home value- $302,956
- Typical rent- $1,178
- 2022 unemployment rate- 2%
- Labor force participation rate- 74.4%
- Median household income- $85,908
- Livability score- 70
Sioux Falls, a city in South Dakota, has a robust economy and affordable living. Many job opportunities are available, especially in healthcare and financial services, as top employers such as Sanford Health and Citibank are located in the city. Additionally, Sioux Falls offers a lively art and culture scene, including the Washington Pavilion, the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival, and outdoor recreational activities such as Falls Park.
10. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Typical home value- $216,351
- Typical rent- $1,307
- 2019 unemployment rate- 2.2%
- Labor force participation rate- 67.8%
- Median household income- $68,575
- Livability score- 65
Indianapolis, Indiana is a bustling city with a rich economy and many job opportunities in the healthcare, finance, and technology industries. With top employers such as Eli Lilly and Company and Indiana University Health, Indianapolis also offers a high quality of life, with a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and White River State Park.
Key takeaways
- For numerous American families, high rent, credit card debt, and college loans are causing financial strain, making it difficult to find a reasonably priced place to call home. The USA has some of the best places to live, with great jobs and affordable housing.
- Evansville, Indiana, has the lowest rent among the mentioned cities.
- Huntsville, Alabama, had the lowest unemployment rate of 1.8% in 2022. It also has the highest livability score of 79.
- All the cities offer great job opportunities and have a splendid cultural scene.
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FAQs
Q1. What is the cost of living in the US?
Answer- The cost of living in the US varies greatly depending on the city or state, with factors such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare all impacting overall expenses. Living in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles can be expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas may have a lower cost of living.
Q2. How much is the application fee for a US visa?
Answer- The most frequent nonimmigrant visa classes have an application fee of US$160. It includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. The majority of petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, cost $190. K visas cost $265 USD, whereas E visas cost $205 USD.
Q3. What is the cost of living in the US per month?
Answer- Living expenses vary greatly depending on region, but here are some average figures. A single person’s monthly living expense in the United States is $3,189, or $38,266 per year. A family of four may expect to pay $7,095 each month or $85,139 per year.