12 Most Affordable Towns To Live In The United States

Meridian, Miss.

Cost of living: 14.1% below national average

City population: 37,848

Median household income: $32,422

Median home value: $83,300

Unemployment rate: 6.7%

Meridian was revived from 1890 to 1930 from the ashes of the Civil War. With nine registered historic districts, including the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel, it is also known for being the home of many talented people, among whom Jimmie Rodgers, known as the “Father of Country Music.”

The young generation might not have so many career opportunities as the Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field are two of the largest employers in the town. But for the senior population, it is a great place to be spending retirement years as the cost of living is 14.1% below the U.S. average. What really differentiates Meridian from other affordable small towns is its extremely low housing expenses, which are a third lower than what the rest of America pays.