Finding an affordable place to live has become increasingly challenging as housing prices and everyday expenses continue to rise across the United States.
While major cities often dominate headlines for their soaring costs, many counties across the country still offer significantly lower housing prices, reasonable taxes, and a lower overall cost of living. For those willing to look beyond big metro areas, these locations provide an opportunity for geographic arbitrage.
By earning a national-level salary while living in a region where costs are 20% to 25% below the national average, individuals can aggressively reinvest the surplus into wealth-building tools like quantitative trading portfolios or startup ventures.
The least expensive counties in the U.S. may lack big-city appeal, but they offer financial breathing room and a chance to build long-term stability. Modern infrastructure and the expansion of high-speed satellite internet have made these “amenity deserts” increasingly viable for tech-focused remote workers. These areas help homebuyers, retirees, and solo entrepreneurs stretch their budget while insulating their lifestyle against macroeconomic shifts and legislative changes to retirement systems.
Using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, 24/7 Wall St. identified the least expensive U.S. counties to live in. The 50 counties on this list are ranked on estimated regional price parity — a measure of the cost of living relative to the national average. Supplemental data on median household income, median home value, and population are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey.
This post was updated on May 15, 2026.
Why It Matters: The FIRE Perspective
Where you choose to live has a massive impact on your savings rate and financial independence timeline. Identifying the least expensive counties allows individuals to find locations where their income goes further, effectively shortening the path to retirement. Beyond housing costs, living in these areas often reduces the overall tax burden, making it easier to manage a portfolio and reduce financial stress while planning for long-term goals. For those tracking macroeconomic trends, these affordable hubs provide a unique opportunity to maintain a high quality of life while minimizing overhead.
50. Pickens County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.85% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,339 ($29,810 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $119,800 ($162,100 lower than US median)
- County population: 18,925
50. Pickens County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.85% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,339 ($29,810 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $119,800 ($162,100 lower than US median)
- County population: 18,925
49. Wayne County, Missouri
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.92% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $42,758 ($32,391 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $110,000 ($171,900 lower than US median)
- County population: 11,081
48. La Paz County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.93% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $46,634 ($28,515 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $117,500 ($164,400 lower than US median)
- County population: 16,681
47. Graham County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.97% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $64,089 ($11,060 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $178,300 ($103,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 38,453
46. DeKalb County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 18.98% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $47,920 ($27,229 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $129,000 ($152,900 lower than US median)
- County population: 71,680
45. Smith County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.00% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $51,983 ($23,166 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $120,200 ($161,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 14,310
44. Butler County, Kentucky
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.03% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $47,589 ($27,560 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $102,200 ($179,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 12,365
43. George County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.04% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $51,349 ($23,800 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $157,200 ($124,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 24,547
42. Greene County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.04% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $50,000 ($25,149 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $97,500 ($184,400 lower than US median)
- County population: 13,672
41. Pemiscot County, Missouri
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.06% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $37,426 ($37,723 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $94,900 ($187,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 15,555
40. Asotin County, Washington
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.11% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $63,724 ($11,425 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $266,400 ($15,500 lower than US median)
- County population: 22,370
39. Monroe County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.15% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $51,190 ($23,959 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $109,500 ($172,400 lower than US median)
- County population: 34,168
38. Calhoun County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.15% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $44,505 ($30,644 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $82,900 ($199,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 13,193
37. Jackson County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.16% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $46,748 ($28,401 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $126,900 ($155,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 52,618
36. Washington County, Missouri
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.20% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,364 ($25,785 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $112,300 ($169,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 23,580
35. Navajo County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.25% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $50,335 ($24,814 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $165,600 ($116,300 lower than US median)
- County population: 107,110
34. Guadalupe County, New Mexico
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.29% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $38,713 ($36,436 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $116,400 ($165,500 lower than US median)
- County population: 4,413
33. Luna County, New Mexico
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.30% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $38,241 ($36,908 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $100,900 ($181,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 25,393
32. Dunklin County, Missouri
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.33% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $44,868 ($30,281 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $93,300 ($188,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 28,174
31. Monroe County, Arkansas
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.37% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $41,786 ($33,363 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $84,600 ($197,300 lower than US median)
- County population: 6,787
30. Newton County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.40% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,160 ($25,989 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $100,800 ($181,100 lower than US median)
- County population: 21,275
29. Randolph County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.42% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,879 ($25,270 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $155,000 ($126,900 lower than US median)
- County population: 22,179
28. Marion County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.45% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,743 ($25,406 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $104,300 ($177,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 29,203
27. Minidoka County, Idaho
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.46% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $63,594 ($11,555 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $198,400 ($83,500 lower than US median)
- County population: 21,626
26. Ripley County, Missouri
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.49% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $42,541 ($32,608 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $103,700 ($178,200 lower than US median)
- County population: 10,839
25. Fayette County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.50% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,650 ($29,499 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $112,700 ($169,200 lower than US median)
- County population: 16,297
24. Apache County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.62% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $37,483 ($37,666 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $62,400 ($219,500 lower than US median)
- County population: 66,054
23. Sedgwick County, Colorado
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.77% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,855 ($29,294 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $136,000 ($145,900 lower than US median)
- County population: 2,391
22. Neshoba County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.83% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $47,400 ($27,749 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $94,300 ($187,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 28,970
21. Tippah County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.85% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $47,968 ($27,181 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $117,100 ($164,800 lower than US median)
- County population: 21,769
20. Prowers County, Colorado
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.85% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,422 ($25,727 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $120,200 ($161,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 11,968
19. Attala County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.87% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $42,680 ($32,469 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $99,100 ($182,800 lower than US median)
- County population: 17,842
18. Lamar County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.92% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,565 ($25,584 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $108,200 ($173,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 13,885
17. Scott County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 19.94% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $44,968 ($30,181 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $81,300 ($200,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 27,943
16. Winston County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.00% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,516 ($29,633 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $110,100 ($171,800 lower than US median)
- County population: 17,741
15. Union County, New Mexico
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.07% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $41,714 ($33,435 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $126,900 ($155,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 4,074
14. Wilkinson County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.08% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $34,928 ($40,221 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $78,500 ($203,400 lower than US median)
- County population: 8,531
13. Benton County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.09% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $38,750 ($36,399 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $96,200 ($185,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 7,637
12. Winston County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.31% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $49,494 ($25,655 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $111,600 ($170,300 lower than US median)
- County population: 23,655
11. Jefferson County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.31% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $31,544 ($43,605 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $76,400 ($205,500 lower than US median)
- County population: 7,207
10. Clay County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.46% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $48,074 ($27,075 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $144,100 ($137,800 lower than US median)
- County population: 14,209
9. Prentiss County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.47% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $51,578 ($23,571 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $112,200 ($169,700 lower than US median)
- County population: 24,945
8. Leake County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.47% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $46,669 ($28,480 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $98,800 ($183,100 lower than US median)
- County population: 21,335
7. Cheyenne County, Colorado
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.76% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $65,577 ($9,572 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $166,300 ($115,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 1,726
6. Tishomingo County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.91% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $45,545 ($29,604 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $123,100 ($158,800 lower than US median)
- County population: 18,837
5. Kemper County, Mississippi
- Est. cost of living in county: 20.92% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $42,947 ($32,202 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $89,300 ($192,600 lower than US median)
- County population: 8,980
4. Franklin County, Alabama
- Est. cost of living in county: 21.25% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $47,359 ($27,790 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $121,600 ($160,300 lower than US median)
- County population: 32,011
3. Greenlee County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 21.94% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $73,756 ($1,393 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $93,900 ($188,000 lower than US median)
- County population: 9,483
2. Santa Cruz County, Arizona
- Est. cost of living in county: 24.37% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $51,885 ($23,264 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $196,700 ($85,200 lower than US median)
- County population: 47,838
1. Baca County, Colorado
- Est. cost of living in county: 25.20% less expensive than US avg.
- Median annual household income: $42,115 ($33,034 lower than US median)
- Median home value: $119,700 ($162,200 lower than US median)
- County population: 3,496
Editor’s Note: The updated text incorporates a financial independence framework that addresses geographic arbitrage, the impact of modern remote-work infrastructure on rural residency, and the role of low-cost living as a hedge against Social Security adjustments and macroeconomic inflation.
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