Where to Find the Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in the USA

Finding a neighborhood where you can afford your rent or mortgage without constantly worrying about crime is increasingly challenging in America. However, a comprehensive analysis of 150 of the nation’s safest communities reveals that more than a dozen cities and towns still manage to balance affordability with security—offering residents both economic peace of mind and personal safety.

Understanding True Affordability and Safety

What makes a place both affordable and safe to live? It’s not just about low crime statistics or cheap housing. GOBankingRates’ research methodology examined multiple dimensions: violent crime rates, property crime rates, median home values, monthly mortgage costs, and total annual cost of living. The study relied on data from the FBI’s Quarterly Crime Statistics, the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Zillow Home Value Index, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to paint a complete picture of where Americans can build stable lives without financial stress.

The research narrowed down from 150 of the safest cities to identify those with the lowest total cost of living—the true measure of which communities offer the best combination of low expenses and low crime rates. All figures were current as of early 2025, representing the most recent comprehensive analysis available.

Why Ohio Dominates the List of Affordable, Safest Communities

One striking finding emerges clearly: Ohio accounts for nearly half of the top 15 safest and cheapest places to live, with seven cities from the state making the list. This dominance suggests that the Midwest offers unique economic advantages—lower property values, modest cost-of-living expenses, and established community stability—that create the sweet spot for budget-conscious families and individuals seeking both safety and affordability.

Beyond Ohio, other regions contribute standout communities: Texas, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maine, and Illinois each offer at least one city where residents can enjoy low expenses paired with minimal violent and property crime.

The Most Budget-Friendly and Secure Cities Ranked by Total Cost of Living

The Sub-$37,000 Annual Cost Tier: Maximum Affordability

1. New Philadelphia, Ohio stands out as the cheapest and safest option on this list. With a total annual cost of living of just $35,549, residents enjoy an average single-family home value of $186,258 and a monthly mortgage around $1,101. The violent crime rate sits at 0.69 per 1,000 people, while property crime remains manageable at 1.50 per 1,000. A livability score of 76 reflects a well-functioning community.

2. New Ulm, Minnesota follows closely with $36,361 in annual living costs. Though home values are slightly higher at $222,693, the community boasts exceptional safety with a remarkably low violent crime rate of just 0.29 per 1,000—among the best on the list. Its livability rating of 82 indicates residents feel secure and satisfied with their surroundings.

3. Parma Heights, Ohio offers another affordable Ohio option at $36,575 annually, with home values at $196,742 and competitive safety metrics: 0.39 violent crimes and 2.76 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The livability score of 71 reflects a stable community atmosphere.

4. San Elizario, Texas emerges as the most affordable entry for homebuyers, with an average single-family home valued at just $167,333 and the lowest violent crime rate across the top tier at 0.10 per 1,000. Annual living costs reach $36,738, making it exceptionally budget-friendly despite its smaller population of 10,123.

5. Yorktown, Indiana rounds out this tier at $37,332 annually, featuring home values of $218,330 and moderate crime rates (0.42 violent, 5.10 property per 1,000). Its livability score of 69 indicates a working community with room for improvement.

The Mid-Range Tier ($37,500-$42,000): Balanced Value

Cities like Berea, Ohio ($37,768), Mount Vernon, Ohio ($37,928), Columbus, Indiana ($40,402), Butler, Pennsylvania ($40,446), and Trenton, Michigan ($41,641) occupy the middle ground. These communities maintain strong safety profiles—particularly Columbus, Indiana, with just 0.19 violent crimes per 1,000—while keeping total housing and living expenses reasonable. Trenton, Michigan boasts the highest livability score in this tier at 86.

Hamilton, Ohio ($42,726) concludes this segment, serving a larger population of 63,124 while maintaining relatively low violent crime at 0.39 per 1,000 and property crime at 2.43 per 1,000.

The Premium-Affordable Tier ($44,000-$45,000): Safety-Focused Communities

Orono, Maine ($44,036), Brunswick, Ohio ($44,251), North Ridgeville, Ohio ($44,415), and Edwardsville, Illinois ($45,323) represent communities where annual living costs climb but safety standards remain excellent. Edwardsville stands out with the highest livability score on the entire list at 90, suggesting residents enjoy both security and quality-of-life amenities. These communities attract those willing to pay slightly more for established neighborhoods with proven track records of low crime and stable populations.

Regional Patterns: Understanding the Cheapest and Safest Landscape

The data reveals several patterns. Smaller towns—most with populations under 20,000—dominate the affordability rankings, suggesting that life in less densely populated areas naturally reduces both housing costs and crime pressure. However, some mid-sized communities like Columbus, Indiana (51,104 residents) and Hamilton, Ohio (63,124 residents) prove that larger towns can still maintain affordable pricing and safety.

Midwest communities, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, and Minnesota, appear to offer the best value propositions. These states benefit from lower construction costs, established housing stock that hasn’t experienced rapid speculation, and strong community institutions that contribute to stable neighborhoods.

What These Data Tell Us About Your Next Home

If your priority is finding the cheapest place to live in the USA while maintaining personal safety, this analysis offers concrete guidance. The range spans from $35,549 to $45,323 in annual costs—a manageable window for middle-income families and individuals. Home values range from approximately $167,000 to $313,000, with monthly mortgage payments typically between $989 and $1,852.

For those evaluating where to move, consider not just the total cost of living but also the livability scores (ranging from 62 to 90 on this list), which reflect factors like schools, amenities, and community satisfaction. The safest and most affordable communities offer more than low numbers—they represent places where families genuinely want to live and thrive.

The research methodology examined 150 of the nation’s safest cities with populations exceeding 10,000, using FBI crime statistics, census data, housing indices, and economic databases to create this comprehensive ranking. For renters and homebuyers alike, these communities demonstrate that affordability and safety need not be mutually exclusive—you simply need to know where to look.