Let’s get right to the point—if you’re hunting for a place in the U.S. where your paycheck stretches further and you can sleep soundly at night, look to states like Iowa, Utah, and Maine. They’re among the top 10 where both cost of living and crime rates are actually reasonable.
The truth? Most people are priced out of major metro areas, and it’s not just about rent anymore.
Groceries, gas, car insurance, even the mechanic down the street—it all adds up. You want a place that’s not going to bleed you dry every month and where your kids can safely ride their bikes.
So, let’s walk through ten states where you get both: affordability and safety, based on real data—not just vibes. Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or just tired of paying $4,000 a month for a one-bedroom and a side of anxiety, there’s something here for you.
What Do We Mean by Affordability and Safety?
Just to set the frame:
- Affordability includes median home prices, cost of groceries, utilities, and car-related expenses like insurance, gas, and maintenance.
- Safety is based on both violent and property crime rates—data pulled from FBI crime stats, not neighborhood gossip.
We’re not talking about the cheapest or the most pristine. We’re talking balance—a fair deal on living without constantly looking over your shoulder or your bank balance.
1. Iowa
Median Home Price: ~$225,000
Violent Crime Rate: 266 per 100,000
Car Insurance: Among the lowest in the country
Iowa doesn’t always make the headlines, but maybe it should. Between the small towns and mid-sized cities like Cedar Rapids or Des Moines, you’ve got solid infrastructure, low unemployment, and decent public schools.
Plus, if you’re into used trucks or own a family sedan, the roads here won’t eat your suspension alive. Winters get icy, sure, but maintenance costs are fair, and parts for domestic vehicles are easy to come by.
Pro tip: Insurance premiums here are often 30-40% lower than in places like Florida or New Jersey.
2. Utah
Median Home Price: ~$425,000
Violent Crime Rate: 239 per 100,000
Yes, housing has ticked up in places like Salt Lake City, but outside the big spots, it’s manageable. And there’s a reason Utah makes every quality-of-life list.
You get stunning outdoor access, clean cities, and some of the lowest property crime rates in the West.
Mechanics are often ASE-certified, and emissions rules aren’t as complicated as California’s. That alone can save you hundreds every year if you’re driving an older model that might not pass stricter checks.
Watch out: Car registration fees can vary by county—always check ahead.
3. Maine
Median Home Price: ~$340,000
Violent Crime Rate: 109 per 100,000 — one of the lowest in the U.S.
If peace and quiet were a state, it’d be Maine. Low population density, ocean air, and tight-knit communities.
You won’t find as many mega-dealerships, but local garages are honest and usually have longtime reputations. And here’s the kicker—car insurance is often under $800 a year. That’s not a typo.
If you’re into Subarus or pickups, you’ll feel right at home. Winter tires are basically a second religion here.
4. Tennessee
Median Home Price: ~$320,000
Violent Crime Rate: Higher in cities, lower in rural/suburban areas
Now, this one’s a little nuanced. Memphis? Not so much. But towns like Franklin, Johnson City, and Cookeville strike a strong balance. The no-income-tax setup doesn’t hurt either.
Fuel prices tend to run lower, and car repairs don’t cost an arm. Why? Labor is cheaper, and parts distribution is strong throughout the South.
One thing to love: Tennessee drivers tend to keep vehicles longer, so you’ll find more well-maintained used cars with real value.
5. Nebraska
Median Home Price: ~$265,000
Violent Crime Rate: 298 per 100,000
Don’t overlook the Cornhusker State. Omaha and Lincoln have great hospitals, safe neighborhoods, and affordable real estate. It’s one of the few places where your mortgage might still be cheaper than rent.
Car-wise, it’s a great place to own a vehicle. Flat terrain means less stress on your brakes and transmission. That stuff adds up. And for daily drivers, tires last longer than in hilly or coastal states.
Also, local DMV services tend to be pretty efficient—no four-hour waits.
6. Kentucky
Median Home Price: ~$225,000
Violent Crime Rate: 217 per 100,000
Lexington and surrounding areas keep pulling in new residents, and it’s not just for the horses. Cost of living is reasonable across the board.
Mechanics are generally fair-priced, and since there’s not a lot of salt use in winter (compared to up north), rust issues are less common. That’s great news for anyone buying used.
Heads-up: Check emissions rules by county. Jefferson County is stricter than others.
7. North Dakota
Median Home Price: ~$270,000
Violent Crime Rate: 281 per 100,000
It’s cold, yeah. But it’s clean, orderly, and incredibly underrated. Fargo and Bismarck are safer than most mid-sized cities, and traffic? Almost non-existent.
Plus, cold weather means fewer pests, fewer allergens, and weirdly—fewer car problems from overheating.
Pro tip: Block heaters are a must. If you’re moving from a warm climate, get familiar with how to use one.
8. Arkansas
Median Home Price: ~$200,000
Violent Crime Rate: High in Little Rock, low elsewhere
Yes, Little Rock’s numbers skew high. But areas like Bentonville, Hot Springs, and Conway? Super safe and seriously affordable.
You’ve also got access to natural beauty—Ozarks, lakes, hiking trails—which makes for a strong quality of life that doesn’t cost a fortune.
And let’s talk cars: low insurance, no emissions testing statewide, and a market that favors both older pickups and fuel-efficient compacts. Repairs? Not too pricey, either.
Check out resources like excel.com.mt if you’re looking to compare tools and parts or even plan maintenance budgeting across locations. It’s not just a local resource—it helps organize your car ownership life, wherever you end up.
9. Wisconsin
Median Home Price: ~$285,000
Violent Crime Rate: 309 per 100,000
Affordable, especially in towns like Eau Claire or Appleton. Plus, Wisconsin drivers are generally known for following rules, which actually helps keep insurance rates down.
Got a family SUV or hybrid? You’ll find decent service centers without the huge dealership markup. And while winters can be rough, municipalities tend to be on top of snow clearing, which saves your undercarriage from salt corrosion.
Just make sure to invest in good wiper blades—winters here are no joke.
10. Idaho
Median Home Price: ~$410,000 (rising, but still lower than West Coast)
Violent Crime Rate: 226 per 100,000
Idaho used to be one of the best-kept secrets in the West, and while prices have crept up, it’s still one of the better-balanced states in terms of value and peace of mind.
You get low crime, access to public lands, and communities that still feel neighborly.
Car-wise, it’s smart to own something with decent ground clearance. Rural roads can be unpredictable. Think Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, or similar.
And here’s the kicker—emissions testing is only required in a few areas. That saves you time and cash every year.
A Few Quick Comparisons
Here’s how a few essentials stack up:
| State | Avg. Car Insurance | Median Home Price | Violent Crime Rate |
| Iowa | $900/year | $225,000 | 266 |
| Utah | $1,000/year | $425,000 | 239 |
| Maine | $800/year | $340,000 | 109 |
| Tennessee | $1,200/year | $320,000 | Varies by city |
| Nebraska | $950/year | $265,000 | 298 |
| Kentucky | $1,000/year | $225,000 | 217 |
| North Dakota | $1,050/year | $270,000 | 281 |
| Arkansas | $980/year | $200,000 | Varies by area |
| Wisconsin | $970/year | $285,000 | 309 |
| Idaho | $1,100/year | $410,000 | 226 |
Final Thoughts
Affordability and safety aren’t unicorns. You don’t have to sacrifice one to get the other. The trick is finding the right-sized city or town in the right state—somewhere with a fair cost of living, safe streets, and practical, long-term livability.
So whether you’re hauling a trailer, commuting in a hybrid, or looking for a place to downshift into retirement, the ten states above are worth a look. Don’t just go where everyone else is going. Go where you can actually live well.
