Under-the-radar cities across the U.S. can deliver much of the culture, demographics, creativity and innovation that produced shows like “Portlandia,” but with considerably lighter price tags.
I matched several beloved major cities withthe cities that havethe lowest cost of livingandthe highest quality of lifeto recommend more affordable substitutes for pricey metros.
Before you decide to sacrifice comfort just to be in the heart of things, consider these vibrant cities — where you might actually be able to afford your own room.
Note: To keep cost comparisons consistent, I used numbeo.com for each city’s figures. Also, I realize many rural towns are cheaper than urban areas, but this roundup aims to help you get the city lifestyle you want — without going broke.
1. Instead of Chicago, Consider Madison or Milwaukee
If you appreciate Midwestern friendliness and snowy winters, Wisconsin offers both — without sacrificing urban amenities and activity.
Whereas the typical rent for a one-bedroom in Chicago averages $1,626/month, you’ll pay roughly $1,071 downtown in Madison and about $841 for a comparable unit in Milwaukee.
On top of that, grocery costs run about 15% higher in Chicago than in Milwaukee — and a sizable 24% higher than in Madison.
Milwaukee gives you lakeside charm and industrial heritage similar to Chicago’s.
Madison offers access to a Big Ten university, state government and a lively arts and entertainment scene that can rival larger cities.
If you want a mix, the two Wisconsin cities sit only about 90 minutes apart — not much farther than some commutes within Chicago itself!
2. Instead of Denver, Try Salt Lake City, Bozeman or Boise
If mountain living appeals but Colorado’s
soaring expenses make you hesitate, look northward to college towns like Bozeman, Montana or Boise, Idaho.
Bozeman and Boise both compete with Denver as destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Bozeman’s rent runs about 30% cheaper than Denver’s, while Boise’s average rent is nearly half of the Mile-High City’s.
If you don’t mind the high desert heat in summer, Salt Lake City also delivers ski access and dramatic mountain panoramas — while cutting rent by about 38%!
Confession: I’m a little protective of SLC — its historical conservatism has kept it under the radar for adventurous twenty-somethings (for now).
Recent cultural loosening, its spectacular mountain-valley setting and thoughtful urban design make it ideal for folks who want city energy and easy access to wild landscapes.
Some even argueSalt Lake City could be the next Silicon Valley— so consider moving sooner rather than later!
3. Instead of Nashville, Check Out Oklahoma City or Louisville
Whether or not Taylor Swift gets credit, Nashville has attracted a lot of trendy attention lately.
Though it’s cheaper than many big metros, it’s not necessarily the region’s most economical choice.
You could opt for Louisville, Kentucky, or Oklahoma City and spend nearly 40% less on rent. Both cities outperform the country music hub when it comes to job prospects in several rankings.
If you’d rather stay in Tennessee, Chattanooga is severely underrated — rent there is about 43% lower than in Nashville.
Alternatively, the state’s suburbs offer family-friendly communities that are often more affordable than core Nashville neighborhoods.
4. Leave Austin for Tulsa
Texas is amenable to freelancers, but relocating to a rising tech and arts hub like Austin will hit your wallet.
If you can work remotely, why not pocket the savings?
Under 500 miles to the north, Tulsa, Oklahoma’s arts and entertainment scene can compete with Austin’s.
You may not have heard some local acts yet, but remember — it’s where Hanson once came from. Nostalgia aside, the city has a thriving cultural legacy.
Thrillist even notes Tulsa’s mix of oil wealth and art-deco charm has long made it the state’s creative center.
And the financial upside? Rent in Tulsa averages about 39% less than in Austin. You can expect to find a one-bedroom in the city for roughly $854 per month.
5. Instead of San Francisco, Give Seattle a Try
I’ll admit the last pairings are tougher: San Francisco and New York rank among the priciest U.S. cities because demand is extraordinary — and for good reason. They’re hard to match.
Still, let’s try to be creative.
With major employers like Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing in the region, Seattle ranks among the top U.S. cities for employment opportunities.
Seattle gives you the mild coastal climate and West Coast vibe Bay Area residents enjoy. It’s also frequently overcast and offers plenty of steep hills for cyclists to tackle.
A typical one-bedroom in Seattle averages $1,776 per month versus a staggering $3,352 in San Francisco. Ouch. You’ll also spend roughly 17% less on groceries in Seattle.
6. Instead of New York City, Consider Washington, D.C.
No U.S. city can fully replicate New York’s mix of culture, history and opportunity — and that exclusivity comes with a hefty price tag.
To cut costs, look at Washington, D.C., which some affectionately dub “New York for Nerds.”
It’s also been called less flattering nicknames, so maybe it could compete with L.A. in some ways — but that’s another debate.
Rent runs about 23% lower in the nation’s capital than in New York, and overall living expenses are around 13% lower. The climates are similar, and job markets are comparable, with D.C. holding a slight edge.
And while Bostonians might bristle at the comparison, Boston offers New York-quality history and culture on a smaller scale with nearly a 20% lower cost of living.
Or consider going international: Montreal, Quebec’s rent is about one-third of New York’s and its overall cost of living is roughly half.
More Cities to Explore
If geography and weather aren’t your primary concerns and you just want an energetic, progressive city without the sky-high prices, here are additional smaller cities that deliver significant value:
- Asheville, NC
- Savannah, GA
- Athens, GA
- Columbus, OH
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Duluth, MN
- Scottsdale, AZ
- St. Petersburg, FL (home of Savinly!)
- Topeka/Lawrence, KS
- Spokane, WA
- Omaha, NE
- Knoxville, TN
- Birmingham, AL
The list could easily keep going, so share your picks in the comments — I hope this encourages you to think creatively before your next relocation!
Your Turn: Is your city a smart, affordable stand-in for a pricier metro? Why?
Ashley Monroe is a features writer at Savinly. She’s contributed to several outlets and tries to work humor into her pieces whenever appropriate (and sometimes where it’s not).
