10. Youngstown, Ohio

The city is going through an entrepreneurial boom especially in its downtown core. There are excellent job opportunities for those in the automotive, education and health care industries.

Residents here earn an average of 43,550 dollars per year, which is perfect for those looking for a home as the average sale price is 92,450 dollars. That’s quite the difference compared to the national average, which is 315,743 dollars.

An apartment can be found for 550 dollars, while three-bedroom houses can be rented for 1,200 dollars.

9. Peoria, Illinois

Fairs and festivals are popular in Peoria during the summer and fall seasons. With inexpensive transportation and services, along with the low cost of homes, the city is a great landing spot for those looking to settle in a new state.

The average resident earns 54,330 dollars, while houses cost an average of 126,000 dollars. Renting a one-bedroom apartment will set you back 846 dollars, while two-bedrooms go for 1,320 dollars.

8. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Although it’s a small town, Fayetteville has great options for those in the educational, cultural and entrepreneurial fields.

The average resident earns $50,470 dollars while the unemployment rate is a low 4.7 percent. Houses cost 203,150 dollars, and those looking for an apartment can find one for just 650 dollars a month. You can also rent a house for 2,200 dollars.

7. Beuamont, Texas

Part of the golden triangle in southeast Texas due to its oil fields, Beaumont is one of the most affordable cities in the United States.

Those in the oil and gas production industries will have no trouble finding work, with residents earning 50,110 dollars a year. An added bonus is the fact there is no state income tax in Texas.

A studio apartment can be rented for 500 dollars a month, though some can set you back as much as 1,400 dollars.

6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The home of the NFL’s Steelers, NHL’s Penguins and MLB’s Pirates, the Steel City offers a high quality of life.

Residents earn 54,300 per year, with large technology companies working out of the city. Although real estate prices are on the rise, the sale price for a home comes in at 222,479 dollars compared to the national average of 365, 616.

A one-bedroom apartment will cost you 1,130 dollars per month, while two-bedrooms is slightly more at 1,234 dollars.

5. Fort Wayne, Indiana

The city has all the amenities of a large city, along with the quiet comfort some people are looking for in order to raise a family.

The average resident earns 48,600 dollars. Although that figure isn’t high, houses cost approximately 155,300 dollars. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs 1,234 dollars.

4. Quad Cities, Illinois and Iowa

Encompassing the cities of Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, East Moline and Moline in the states of Illinois and Iowa, the Quad Cities metropolitan area offers a low cost of living and excellent entertainment.

Although its crime rate is higher than the national average, residents earn approximately 50,160 dollars per year. In terms of housing, a one-bedroom apartment in Davenport costs 814 dollars, while that increases to 1,493 dollars in Bettendorf. That figure drops to 550 dollars in Rock Island.

As for Moline and East Moline, you can find one for 854 and 800 dollars respectively.

3. Huntsville, Alabama

US News ranks Huntsville as one of the best place to live in the country thanks to its excellent quality of life, low cost of living, low unemployment rate and low crime rate.

A home here costs approximately 192,667 dollars. A one-bedroom apartment costs 1,489 dollars per month, and 1,881 dollars for two-bedrooms.

2. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Home to one of the NFL’s most famous teams, Green Bay is one of the most affordable places to live in the USA.

The city features universities, entertainment, museums, art and a seaport, and has a low crime rate that drops each year.

On average, a home here costs 181,700, though property taxes are high here. An apartment can be found for 600 per month, though the average is 756 dollars.

1. Hickory, North Carolina

Located an hour’s drive away from Charlotte, Hickory takes top spot on our list.