These Are the 50 Cheapest Major Midwest Cities — But Are They Good Places To Live? (2024)

Traditionally, workers seeking high wages flock to major cities like New York and Washington, D.C. However, the rising cost of living in large metropolitan areas is causing many workers to rethink their prospects and look for more affordable options, like the Midwest.

GOBankingRates performed an extensive study comparing the cost of living and relative livability of cities throughout the Midwest. Here are the 50 most inexpensive major cities.

If you’re seeking an affordable house, Flint is an excellent option. The median home listing price is $199,950, well below the national average of $442,450.

• Livability: 74
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $26,439
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $52,878

Detroit is highly affordable, but crime is an issue. The city ranks as the third most dangerous in the nation, falling just behind St. Louis and Memphis, according to U.S. News.

• Livability: 73
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,051
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $56,102

Gary is an excellent option if you’re in the market for a modestly priced home. The median sales price in the area is $80,000. However, property and violent crime are a concern.

• Livability: 70
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,419
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $56,837

Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy Decatur, which offers an inland lake that’s perfect for fishing, swimming and water skiing. The city recently redesigned its central business district to promote safety and employment opportunities.

• Livability: 59
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $28,797
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $57,595

Artists and creators may find a home in Cleveland, which offers stunning street murals in nearly every neighborhood. The city is also the site of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

• Livability: 71
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $30,778
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $61,555

Toledo is a snow-lover’s delight, averaging 37.4 inches of the fluffy white stuff each year. However, summers are nice and sunny, reaching into the mid-80s between June and August.

• Livability: 66
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $31,430
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $62,860

Homes in Akron are a bargain, with a median listing price of $252,400. The city is revitalizing its economy following a decline in its tire manufacturing industries over the past few decades, so employment opportunities may be limited.

• Livability: 80
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $32,197
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $64,394

In addition to being highly affordable, St. Joseph offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The city was a stop on the Pony Express during the 1860s, and a museum dedicated to its history includes displays about the riders who transported mail from coast to coast.

• Livability: 59
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,443
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $66,885

Canton offers inexpensive housing and a reasonable cost of living. However, the city’s high violent and property crime rates may make some think twice before relocating there.

• Livability: 69
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,835
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $67,670

Lansing has a lot to offer new residents: a thriving economy, affordable housing and low crime rates. It’s also home to one of the top public research universities in the country: Michigan State.

• Livability: 78
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $33,890
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $67,779

Dayton is an economical alternative to expensive mid-sized cities. However, it has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation at 27.5%.

• Livability: 66
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,274
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $68,549

South Bend has several advantages, including reasonable housing prices and a low 4% unemployment rate. It’s also the site of the prestigious Notre Dame University.

• Livability: 62
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,932
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $69,864

Located just 35 minutes south of Chicago, Hammond offers a low-cost alternative for people who want to be close to a major metropolitan city. However, Hammond’s poverty rate is high, encompassing nearly 20% of the population.

• Livability: 69
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $34,998
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $69,995

Known as the River City, Peoria offers a variety of things to do, including an 1,800-acre zoological park full of native prairie animals. Residents can also explore the city’s numerous eclectic museums that highlight President Ronald Reagan’s life, the evolution of telephones and vintage automobiles.

• Livability: 74
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,193
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $70,387

Located in the heart of Illinois, Rockford offers its residents a broad array of activities, including a farmer’s market, golf courses, museums and fantastic restaurants.

• Livability: 60
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,550
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $71,100

Baltimore and Oakland may come to mind when you think of dangerous U.S. cities. St. Louis is another top contender, with high violent and property crime rates in some areas.

• Livability: 74
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $35,852
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $71,704

Sioux City is the quintessential “little big town,” with a thriving local arts community and outdoor activities to explore, including hiking, fishing and kayaking.

• Livability: 77
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,131
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $72,263

Located along the banks of the Ohio River, Evansville invites residents to soak up the sun during the summers with plenty of boating, paddleboarding and kayaking activities. However, be prepared for wet and cold Evansville winters.

• Livability: 65
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,459
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $72,917

Living in the home of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, sports fans will have no shortage of games to attend. However, violent crime in Kansas City has escalated in recent years. Certain areas are safer than others.

• Livability: 74
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,596
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,191

Avid bicyclists will appreciate Davenport’s numerous bike trails, including the Mississippi River Trail and the American Discovery Trail. Both paths cover miles of countryside and riverfront communities.

• Livability: 76
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,812
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,624

Parma is the largest suburb of Cleveland. It has strong Ukrainian and Polish influences, with two villages within the city devoted to both cultural heritages.

• Livability: 80
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,944
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,888

Michigan is a haven for automotive companies, including General Motors. The GM Technical Center in Warren provides numerous jobs for residents in various disciplines, such as design and engineering.

• Livability: 73
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $36,974
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $73,949

As the state capital, Springfield has a fascinating history. President Abraham Lincoln lived there, and you can visit several sites dedicated to his memory, including the Lincoln Home and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Residents seeking reasonably priced housing will find homes listed for a median price of $216,225.

• Livability: 79
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,570
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,141

Independence has everything you might want — a short commute, affordable housing and reasonably priced services. However, crime rates are higher than the national average.

• Livability: 81
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,774
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,548

Located 40 minutes south of Milwaukee, Racine sits on the banks of Lake Michigan. Although crime rates have increased recently, you can find well-priced property in the area.

• Livability: 79
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $37,995
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $75,990

Westland offers several large parks, including Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve, which has over 500 acres of forests and wetlands. It’s perfect for hikers, photographers and birdwatchers.

• Livability: 75
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,222
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $76,444

Several major Fortune 500 companies have a significant presence in Cedar Rapids, including General Mills, Whirlpool and Nordstrom. The city is also home to the University of Iowa.

• Livability: 74
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,807
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,613

Topeka is a mid-sized city located one hour west of Kansas City. While it’s certainly affordable, it lacks cultural attractions and sporting events. However, nature lovers can explore some of the area’s numerous hiking trails.

• Livability: 68
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,834
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,668

If you’re seeking a city atmosphere with plenty of snow — up to three feet per year — you might enjoy Des Moines. The city offers reasonably priced housing and many employment opportunities.

• Livability: 81
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,889
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,779

Fort Wayne has over 80 award-winning parks, with over 100 miles of trails for joggers, hikers and bicyclists to explore. Foodies enjoy its broad variety of restaurants, including craft breweries and Italian, Japanese and Greek cuisines.

• Livability: 83
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $38,962
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $77,925

Known as a haven for beer and cheese lovers, Milwaukee is home to dozens of breweries, including Pabst Blue Ribbon. During the summer, you can swim or tan along 1,400 acres of beaches along the coast of Lake Michigan.

• Livability: 78
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,028
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,056

Kalamazoo provides residents with slower-paced living. It’s surrounded by stunning countryside and multiple nature trails. Those looking for a walkable city will enjoy its downtown area.

• Livability: 75
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,081
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,162

Wichita is an art lover’s dream. It contains the largest art museum in Kansas and public works throughout the city, including murals and sculptures. Residents can also watch ballets and plays at its theaters.

• Livability: 66
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,309
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $78,617

Dearborn is one of the more affordable Midwest cities. However, nearly 24% of residents live in poverty, and unemployment is consistently higher than national averages.

• Livability: 77
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,612
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,223

Springfield is a vibrant city with an intriguing history. It’s recognized as the birthplace of Route 66 and also played host to the first national country music show, The Ozark Jubilee. New residents will find employment opportunities with prominent businesses, including O’Reilly Auto Parts and Bass Pro Shops.

• Livability: 72
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,646
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,292

Sports fans will find events year-round with professional teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. The city also hosts the annual Indianapolis 500.

• Livability: 77
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $39,804
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $79,609

St. Cloud is primarily a college town. Local higher-education schools include St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College and College of Saint Benedict. Locals can explore the city’s numerous golf courses, bike trails and dining establishments.

• Livability: 81
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,740
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,479

In recent years, Kansas City has experienced an uptick in violent crime rates. However, it remains an affordable large city with plenty to do, including shopping, dining and sporting activities.

• Livability: 77
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,778
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,556

Several major employers have a significant presence in Lafayette, including GE Aviation, Subaru of Indiana Automotive and Cook Biotech. Purdue University is also based in the city.

• Livability: 73
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $40,905
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $81,810

Cincinnati has much more to offer than a low cost of living. It has some fascinating architecture and a thriving nightlife scene. Each year, the city hosts the largest Oktoberfest outside the original in Germany.

• Livability: 80
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,043
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,086

Located about 45 minutes north of Chicago, Waukegan offers inexpensive homes and a low cost of living. Residents find various events to explore, including music festivals and outdoor markets.

• Livability: 73
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,079
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,158

Duluth is a thriving hub of manufacturing and aviation companies, including Altec, Ikonics and Cirrus Aircraft, which helps keep unemployment rates low.

• Livability: 77
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,470
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,939

The University of Illinois is in Champaign, which attracts academics and students to the small town. Residents can take advantage of the city’s many green spaces and nature trails.

• Livability: 81
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,496
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $82,991

Columbus offers a variety of employment opportunities at major companies, including AEP, Nationwide Insurance and Hexion, Inc. Several retailers also have a big presence, such as Bath and Body Works, Big Lots and Abercrombie & Fitch.

• Livability: 79
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $41,824
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $83,648

Southfield is a suburb of Detroit and the home to over 10,000 businesses, including Ascension Health, Beaumont Health and Lear Corporation. Aside from its employment opportunities, Southfield has two beautiful golf courses and numerous shopping and dining options.

• Livability: 71
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,014
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,028

Wyoming is a Grand Rapids suburb that attracts families seeking a peaceful atmosphere for their kids.

• Livability: 76
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,204
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,408

Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Kenosha is a vibrant community filled with boutiques, restaurants and museums.

• Livability: 82
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,432
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $84,864

Green Bay is the home of the Packers, perhaps the most storied NFL franchise, but it has other things to offer, too — like a low cost of living.

• Livability: 70
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,596
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $85,191

Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Joliet attracts people seeking affordable rents within commuting distance of the big city. Expect a close-knit community with a relatively low crime rate.

• Livability: 75
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $42,925
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $85,849

Grand Rapids is a leading producer of furniture, and several of its largest companies are furniture manufacturers, including Herman Miller and Steelcase.

• Livability: 83
• Total Annual Cost of Living: $43,023
• Salary Needed for Comfortable Living: $86,047

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