By: Nick Callos
Geoarbitrage, or moving to a location with a lower cost of living while maintaining or increasing your income, is the way to beat inflation, boost savings, and semi-retire or retire early. With nearly 30% of full-time workers fully remote, and remote work persisting beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the geographic arbitrage opportunity is available for tens of millions of Americans.
Just consider the possibilities: You could work for a company headquartered in New York City, making a big city wage. But you could live in a small Midwest town, with a rent or mortgage payment that’s half what you’d pay in NYC. Think of how much more money you’d save.
Sounds nice, right?
In our geoarbitrage guide, we talk a lot about how to do geographic arbitrage, from researching locations to renting a home. In this article, we’d like to dive deeper into the best geoarbitrage destinations. Many other guides like to focus on digital nomad cities, such as popular international spots like Lisbon and Chiang Mai. But we know not everyone can move abroad or prefers living abroad, or would like to consider domestic options as well.
So here, we’ll highlight the best geoarbitrage cities and towns in the USA. Read through and see which locations catch your eye.
Image by WMrapids on Wikimedia Commons.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Average Rent: $1,273
Median Home Price: $384K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 141% lower in Grand Rapids than New York City (Manhattan). Making $80,000 annually in Grand Rapids will yield you the same standard of living as making $193,000 annually in New York City.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Known for fine art, great breweries, and surrounding nature, Grand Rapids has quickly become one of the Upper Midwest’s best destinations. U.S. News recently ranked the city 16th for best places to live, outpacing cities such as Boston and D.C. A large reason for that is the mix of affordability and culture you get while living in the city.
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Raleigh, North Carolina
Average Rent: $1,600
Median Home Price: $400K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 56% lower in Raleigh than Seattle. Making $80,000 annually in Raleigh will yield you the same standard of living as making $124,000 annually in Seattle.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Ranked #3 by U.S. News for best places to live, Raleigh provides Southern charm, a family-friend living environment, a plethora of outdoor activities, and a noteworthy culinary scene. Plus, the local job market is booming, which is a nice insurance to have as a remote worker. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Huntsville, Alabama
Average Rent: $1,023
Median Home Price: $350K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 65% lower in Huntsville than Los Angeles. Making $80,000 annually in Huntsville will yield you the same standard of living as making $132,000 annually in Los Angeles.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: A space exploration hub, Huntsville offers a low cost of living, plenty of nature, great educational systems, and diverse entertainment options. With the U.S. News ranking it second for best places to live, it appears the secret is out about this Southern town. The Rocket City is truly one of the best geoarbitrage cities in the USA.
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Syracuse, New York
Average Rent: $1,300
Median Home Price: $312K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 57% lower in Syracuse than Boston. Making $80,000 annually in Syracuse will yield you the same standard of living as making $125,000 annually in Boston.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: While often the punchline of weather and snow jokes, Syracuse is a popular place to live for everyone from families and retirees to digital nomads, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and ample amenities. The city has a vibrant urban core, along with scenic parks and cozy suburbs. Plus, it’s within striking distance of the Finger Lakes and major East Coast cities such as NYC.
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Midland, Texas
Average Rent: $1,000
Median Home Price: $326K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 97% lower in Midland than San Francisco. Making $80,000 annually in Midland will yield you the same standard of living as making $158,000 annually in San Francisco.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Ranked by SmartAsset as one of the best cities to live out the American dream, Midland is known for its close-knit community, oil industry, downtown skyscrapers, and performing arts scene. Home to everything from petroleum to presidents, The Tall City is rising in popularity quickly, thanks largely to its affordability and strong economy. If you’re a digital nomad, Texas also has the added perk of no state income taxes.
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Average Rent: $1,120
Median Home Price: $377K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 36% lower in Cincinnati than Washington D.C. Making $80,000 annually in Cincinnati will yield you the same standard of living as making $125,000 annually in Washington D.C.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Ranked among the best places to live by U.S. News, Cincinnati has a strong job market, with major companies such as Procter & Gamble and Kroger headquartered in the city. The Queen City also features an affordable cost of living and lots of historic and unique neighborhoods, from the artsy Northside community to the quaint Mount Adams area. The city has solid dining and entertainment. And if you’re a sports fan, the city is home to professional baseball, football and soccer teams.
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Des Moines, Iowa
Average Rent: $750
Median Home Price: $340K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 27% lower in Des Moines than Chicago. Making $80,000 annually in Des Moines will yield you the same standard of living as making $110,000 annually in Chicago.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Livability describes Des Moines as Midwest living at its best. On top of great affordability, Des Moines has more than 80 miles of trails, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous happening neighborhoods, such as East Village. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is always a bustling scene, with plenty of fresh food available. The city is simply great for remote workers looking for the right blend of nature, urban amenities, and affordability.
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Richmond, Virginia
Average Rent: $1,340
Median Home Price: $383K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 33% lower in Richmond than San Diego. Making $80,000 annually in Richmond will yield you the same standard of living as making $119,000 annually in San Diego.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: U.S. News ranks Richmond pretty high both as a place to live and retire. Rich in its American history, more than 7 million tourists visit the area each year. With an amazing dining and nightlife atmosphere, a range of housing options, and world-class museums, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond is a destination that offers big city culture with reasonable cost of living. Plus, unique neighborhoods, such as Church Hill, where Patrick Henry gave his “Give Me Liberty” speech, give you the chance to live somewhere historic!
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Eugene, Oregon
Average Rent: $1,510
Median Home Price: $643K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 23% lower in Eugene than San Jose (CA). Making $80,000 annually in Eugene will yield you the same standard of living as making $105,000 annually in San Jose.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: While Eugene is a bit more expensive than others on this list, it’s one of the most affordable larger cities along the West Coast. Located along the Willamette River, Eugene packs a punch for its size. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene features a dynamic blend of arts, sports, and culture. Whether you’re strolling through the Eugene Science Center, eating at the 5th Street Public Market, or cycling along the city’s extensive network of bike lanes, Track Town will have you off to the races and enjoying life.
Photo by Chris Rand on Wikimedia Commons
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Average Rent: $900
Median Home Price: $387K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 20% lower in Green Bay than Providence (RI). Making $80,000 annually in Green Bay will yield you the same standard of living as making $100,000 annually in Providence.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: With affordable rent prices, a thriving entertainment and arts scene, and NFL football (go Packers!), Green Bay is a gem in northeast Wisconsin. U.S. News ranked the city 1st in its list of best places to live, noting easy access to the Great Lakes, amazing craft breweries, and happening areas like the Broadway District. Green Bay appeals to young professionals, families and retirees, and is truly deserving of its place on our list of the best geoarbitrage cities in the USA,. Even if you’re not a Packers fan, check this city out!
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Knoxville, Tennessee
Average Rent: $900
Median Home Price: $350K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 29% lower in Knoxville than Miami. Making $80,000 annually in Green Bay will yield you the same standard of living as making $113,000 annually in Miami.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Situated on the Tennessee River, Knoxville delights with its happening downtown, easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains, University of Tennessee sports, and abundance of sites, such as the Zoo Knoxville and Knoxville Museum of Art. The rent prices remain quite low, especially compared to nearby larger cities such as Nashville and Atlanta. You can easily save a higher portion of your income here. Knoxville is also within a manageable drive or short flight of most major metro areas along the East Coast, which is nice if you’re moving from one of those cities.
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Ocala, Florida
Average Rent: $1,560
Median Home Price: $345K
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living is 49% lower in Ocala than Honolulu. Making $80,000 annually in Ocala will yield you the same standard of living as making $159,000 annually in Honolulu.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in the USA: Looking for an affordable city with year-round warm weather? Consider Ocala, which is a central Florida town with deep equestrian roots. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala is now a diverse town with Victorian-era homes, an active food scene, untainted nature, and all the amenities a leisure-loving person would want. In one day, you can go ziplining, work from a cafe, go to the spa, and wine and dine downtown. Yes, Ocala is the place you go to work remotely, save money, and live like never before.
Finding the best geoarbitrage city in the USA for you
This list of the best geoarbitrage cities in the USA only covers some of the top budget-friendly towns and cities. While the Midwest and South dominate the list, thanks to a lower cost of living than the East and West Coasts, there are options in every corner of America.
When making a decision about where to work remotely from, consider your preferences for entertainment, climate, activities, education, politics, and more, as well as your budget and how much you wish to save. The perfect geoarbitrage city will differ for everyone, and this article is meant to get you started.
For more inspiration, and to start planning your move, read our other geographic arbitrage resources:
- The Ultimate Guide to Geoarbitrage
- Using Geographic Arbitrage to Beat Inflation
- Digital Nomad Work Visas
About the Author
Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.
Featured image by Ave Calvar on Unsplash
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