Single Adults' Guide: Which U.S. States Offer the Most Affordable Living Expenses?

Looking to stretch your monthly budget further? The question of where to live as a single adult often hinges on one critical factor: cost of living. A recent comprehensive analysis examining expenditure patterns across American states reveals significant variations in what it takes to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, with some regions substantially outpacing others in affordability.

Understanding the Data Behind Living Costs

The research evaluated six key expense categories for single residents: groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, housing (mortgage), and miscellaneous costs. By aggregating data from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center’s cost of living indexes and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey, researchers created a total monthly expense profile for each state. Mortgage calculations assumed a 10% down payment using the 30-year national average fixed rate and Zillow home value data, with the analysis finalized in April 2024.

The Most Budget-Friendly States for Single Living

Oklahoma emerges as the most economical choice, with an overall cost-of-living index of just 86.2. Monthly expenses break down as follows:

• Groceries: $321.04
• Healthcare: $315.30
• Utilities: $284.21
• Transportation: $676.06
• Average mortgage: $1,239.21
• Miscellaneous: $61.86

Mississippi ranks second at 86.3, featuring similarly lean expenses across most categories, with particularly affordable groceries at $330.56 and utilities at just $248.90.

Kansas places third with a 87.1 index, offering reasonable housing costs at $1,363.63 monthly and well-controlled utility expenses at $308.52.

Mid-Range Affordable Living Options

The next tier includes West Virginia (87.7 index), notable for its exceptionally low mortgage costs at $981.01 monthly—the lowest among all ranked states. Alabama (88.3 index) and Missouri (88.5 index) follow, both offering balanced expenses across all categories.

Moving further up the affordability scale, Arkansas (89.0 index) and Tennessee (90.3 index) provide solid options, with Tennessee distinguishing itself through lower healthcare costs at $299.98.

Additional Budget-Conscious States

The analysis identifies Iowa and Michigan as competitive choices with 90.3 and 90.6 indexes respectively. Georgia (90.8 index) rounds out another tier of accessible options, followed by Nebraska (90.9 index), Georgia (90.8), Louisiana (91.0), and Indiana (91.1).

Illinois, Kentucky, and South Dakota cluster near the mid-90s range, each with distinct advantages—Illinois offers manageable mortgage costs, Kentucky features lower healthcare expenses at $285.00, and South Dakota maintains reasonable utility rates at $253.24.

Wyoming (92.4), Texas (92.7), and New Mexico (94.0) round out the list, representing the relatively higher end among the lowest cost of living states examined, though still substantially more affordable than many coastal and metropolitan areas.

Key Takeaways for Budget-Conscious Single Adults

The variation between the most and least affordable states on this lowest cost of living ranking spans roughly 8 points on the index scale, translating to meaningful monthly savings. Southern and Great Plains states dominate the rankings, reflecting regional economic patterns and real estate values.

For single adults prioritizing affordability, the data suggests that lowest cost of living states concentrated in the South and Midwest—particularly Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Kansas—offer the most efficient combination of housing, healthcare, and daily expenses. However, individual circumstances regarding job opportunities, climate preferences, and lifestyle needs should also factor into relocation decisions.

Understanding these geographic expense variations empowers single adults to make informed choices about where to establish or relocate their households, potentially freeing up resources for savings, investment, or quality-of-life improvements.