Identifying the cheapest and safest places to live in the U.S. involves considering various factors, including cost of living, crime rates, quality of life, and access to amenities. While specific data and rankings can change over time, here’s an overview of several cities and towns known for their affordability and safety based on general trends and historical data up to early 2023. Conduct current research or consult recent studies for the latest information as conditions can evolve.

Boise, Idaho

Why It’s Affordable: Boise offers a lower cost of living than many U.S. cities, with reasonable housing prices.
Why It’s Safe: Low crime rates and a strong sense of community contribute to Boise’s reputation as a safe place to live.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Why It’s Affordable: The city has various affordable housing options despite being home to the University of Michigan.
Why It’s Safe: Ann Arbor consistently ranks high for safety due to its low crime rates and well-regarded police services.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Why It’s Affordable: Cedar Rapids offers a competitive cost of living, especially regarding housing.
Why It’s Safe: The city is known for its effective law enforcement and community programs aimed at maintaining safety.

Rochester, Minnesota

Why It’s Affordable: With a stable economy centered around the Mayo Clinic, Rochester offers affordable living with a high quality of life.
Why It’s Safe: It’s recognized for its healthcare system and low crime rates.

Madison, Wisconsin

Why It’s Affordable: Madison provides a balanced cost of living with accessible healthcare and education.
Why It’s Safe: The city has a low crime rate and a variety of community-oriented safety programs.

Fargo, North Dakota

Why It’s Affordable: Fargo features a low cost of living with affordable housing and healthcare.
Why It’s Safe: It boasts a tight-knit community with low crime rates and high-quality law enforcement.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Why It’s Affordable: Lincoln offers low unemployment rates and affordable living costs, especially housing and utilities.
Why It’s Safe: Known for its friendly atmosphere, the city has a low crime rate and high safety ratings.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Why It’s Affordable: Sioux Falls has no state income tax and low housing costs, contributing to its affordability.
Why It’s Safe: The city has low crime rates and a strong sense of community among residents.

Round Rock, Texas

Why It’s Affordable: With its proximity to Austin, Round Rock offers affordable housing and a growing job market.
Why It’s Safe: The city has invested in public safety and community programs, maintaining low crime rates.

Overland Park, Kansas

Why It’s Affordable: Overland Park provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing options.
Why It’s Safe: It’s recognized for its well-funded police department and community safety initiatives.

Lexington, Kentucky

Why It’s Affordable: Lexington boasts a low cost of living with affordable housing and healthcare.
Why It’s Safe: The city has a relatively low crime rate and a strong community policing presence.

Huntsville, Alabama

Why It’s Affordable: Huntsville offers a favorable cost of living with growing employment opportunities in the tech sector.
Why It’s Safe: It has a low crime rate and is often cited as one of Alabama’s safest cities.

Greenville, South Carolina

Why It’s Affordable: Greenville features a low cost of living, with housing costs below the national average.
Why It’s Safe: The city has significantly invested in public safety and community engagement.

Des Moines, Iowa

Why It’s Affordable: Des Moines is known for its affordable housing market and low cost of living.
Why It’s Safe: The city has a proactive approach to safety, with community programs and effective law enforcement.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Why It’s Affordable: While Colorado can be pricey, Fort Collins offers relatively affordable living with access to outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Why It’s Safe: It has a low crime rate compared to other cities of similar size and a strong community focus on safety and wellness.

When considering relocation, it’s important to weigh both affordability and safety alongside other personal priorities such as job opportunities, climate, education, and lifestyle preferences. Visiting potential cities and conducting thorough research will help you find the best fit for your needs and preferences.