Monthly Budget $4K or Less? These 2 Texas Cities Are Your Best Bet

Let's face it, money is getting tighter, and there's less room in almost everyone's wallet these days.

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Cutting the cost of living isn't easy, but finding an area where your dollar stretches further is one option.

Best Cities for a $4,000 Monthly Budget

To determine the best cities in the United States with living expenses of less than $4,000 per month, GOBankingRates used the current average rental price in 2022 of one-bedroom apartments, overall cost of living, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top three areas in the nation included two Texas cities and one in Louisiana.

Abilene, Texas Cost of Living

With a livability score of 75 and live music, museums, shopping, and restaurants you can walk to in Abilene's Downtown Cultural District, there's plenty to do besides count the dollar bills in your piggy bank in this city.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Abilene, Texas is $759.78. It would be fairly simple to keep the budget under $4,000, as an average of expenses for a four-to-five week period is $3,853.67.

Midland, Texas Cost of Living

Located between Fort Worth and El Paso, the town of Midland, Texas has a livability score of 72. Midland has plenty of parks, restaurants, and activities, including Summer Mummers, a unique performing arts experience, according to visitmidland.com. If you love the outdoors, then Midland, Texas is the place to be. It's close enough to Big Bend National Park for day trips and regular visits.

In Midland, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages $736.89, with monthly expenses adding up to around $3,705.26.

Outside of Texas

According to GOBankingRates, out of the three cities on the list, Lake Charles, Louisiana is where you'll find the cheapest rent, at $696.33 for a one-bedroom apartment. The livability score is 70, and monthly expenses will average $3,764.39.