The Eight Least Expensive States to Live in the USA

2. Tennessee

  • Cost of Living Index: 89.7
  • Grocery Index: 93.5
  • Housing Index: 77.2
  • Transportation Index: 93.5
  • Utilities Index: 91.1
  • Health Index: 89.7
  • Misc: 96.0

In Tennessee, you can find some of the most inexpensive housing in the U.S. Although the median home value in Tennessee is a little over $120,000, in some areas like Union City and Humboldt, you can easily find a nice, single family home for around $60,000. Property taxes are also low, with the median rate at .68 percent.

Current Zillow listings in the Knoxville area for small 1,000 foot detached homes with three bedrooms and one or two bathrooms are priced in the $20,000 to $50,000 range. For someone who works from home or is retired, and is seeking a lower cost life style, Tennessee is certainly an option worth checking out.