The East Coast has an enticing charm that’s full of rich history, vibrant culture and has distinct four seasons. While East Coast states have an alluring appeal, the cost of living can be pricey. With that in mind, there are cities that are easy on your wallet without sacrificing a comfortable quality of life.
Find Out: Here’s How Much You Need To Earn To Be ‘Rich’ in Every State
Learn More: These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs
Whether you’re planning a move, investing in property or just curious about affordable East Coast living, GOBankingRates has compiled a list of the cheapest places based on data from Zillow. From Maine to Florida, we’ve pinpointed the most affordable cities in every East Coast state — places you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphotoEast Hartford, Connecticut
Annual cost of living: $42,706
Annual rent: $16,908
Annual groceries: $6,289
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R48ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R88ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeKnown as the “crossroads of New England” because of its location, which is equidistant between Boston and New York, East Hartford is a welcoming small town with plenty of things to do nearby — golfing, shopping and visiting museums and beautiful parks.
In terms of cost of living, groceries are 3.9% higher than nationwide, according to GOBankingRates’ data, while healthcare is 14% more.
Check Out: Here’s the Line Between Middle Class and Upper-Middle Class in Every State
Also Read: Check Out the Median Salary of Americans Your Age in Every State
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.comDover, Delaware
Annual cost of living: $42,867
Annual rent: $19,332
Annual groceries: $6,259
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4gekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8gekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeDover is a quiet, peaceful small town that doesn’t offer much to do but has a tight-knit community and affordable housing. The median sales price for a home in Dover is $302,500, per Redfin — well below the national median sales price of $407,200. You also get a savings with the tax break — there’s no sales tax. However, groceries are 3.4% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are 12.3% more.
Discover More: The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every State
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.comAvon Park, Florida
Annual cost of living: $39,727
Annual rent: $17,100
Annual groceries: $6,132
Florida is a retiree haven due to the year-round sunny weather, endless activities and tax breaks. The state doesn’t tax Social Security, benefits, pensions, IRAs or 401(k) accounts.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4nekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8nekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeWhile residents do get a savings thanks to Florida being a tax-friendly state, groceries are 1.3% higher than the national average and healthcare is 6.3% more, according to GOBankingRates’ data.
Waycross, Georgia
Annual cost of living: $32,048
Annual rent: $10,200
Annual groceries: $5,762
Waycross is full of Southern hospitality and is situatedat the northern tip of the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge. The average rent is $850 a month, and groceries are 4.8% cheaper than the national average, according to GOBankingRates’ data.
While Waycross is notably cheaper to live, healthcare is pricey — 10.8% above the national average.
©Flickr.comWaterville, Maine
Annual cost of living: $36,531
Annual rent: $15,396
Annual groceries: $6,325
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R51ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R91ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeLocated along the Kennebec River, Waterville has a lively waterfront scene that’s booming with restaurants and shops thanks in part to colleges Colby and Thomas. While Waterville is the cheapest city in Maine, groceries are 4.5% more, but healthcare is 6.4% lower.
Also Find: How Much House Does $300K, $400K and $500K Buy You in Every State?
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphotoCumberland, Maryland
Annual cost of living: $33,347
Annual rent: $12,408
Annual groceries: $6,120
Cumberland has a unique blend of historical charm, a growing arts scene and close proximity to the Appalachian Mountains — where people can hike, bike and fish.
The bonus to this appealing small town is that it’s really budget friendly. Healthcare is 15.8% lower than the national average.
Jill_InspiredByDesign / Getty Images/iStockphotoHolyoke, Massachusetts
Annual cost of living: $41,141
Annual rent: $18,420
Annual groceries: $6,362
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5cekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9cekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeLocated along the Connecticut River, Holyoke has easy access to hiking. Housing is affordable, with average rent around $1,500, and healthcare is 8.7% lower than the national average.
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphotoRochester, New Hampshire
Annual cost of living: $43,374
Annual rent: $20,856
Annual groceries: $6,277
Rochester is the cheapest city in New Hampshire. Groceries are 3.7% more expensive, but residents do get a break on healthcare, which is 16.9% lower.
Read More: How Long $2 Million in Retirement Will Last in Every State
Millville, New Jersey
Annual cost of living: $42,685
Annual rent: $19,656
Annual groceries: $6,120
Millville is a beautiful small town that’s encompassed by wilderness preserves and has a charming downtown. The typical median listing home price is $275,000, according to Realtor.com
Zack Frank / Shutterstock.comJamestown, New York
Annual cost of living: $31,821
Annual rent: $10,956
Annual groceries: $5,762
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5qekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9qekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeSituated near the Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown is a great place for fishing and sailing. And it’s cheap. Groceries are 4.8% cheaper than U.S. average. Meanwhile, healthcare is 4.6% more.
Asheboro, North Carolina
Annual cost of living: $32,662
Annual rent: $11,676
Annual groceries: $5,678
Asheboro is a nature lover’s dream. The city is surrounded by mountains and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Groceries are 6.2% cheaper and healthcare is 5.1% lower.
See More: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State?
DenisTangneyJr / Getty ImagesWoonsocket, Rhode Island
Annual cost of living: $42,655
Annual rent: $18,672
Annual groceries: $6,319
Known for its farming community and headquarters for CVS Pharmacy, Woonsocket has healthcare that is 12.7% cheaper than the national average.
omersukrugoksu / Getty Images/iStockphotoGreenwood, South Carolina
Annual cost of living: $30,381
Annual rent: $10,224
Annual groceries: $5,738
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R68ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra8ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeGreenwood is the ideal mix of culture, history, natural beauty and affordability. Groceries are 5.2% cheaper and healthcare is 7.3% lower.
Kirkikis / Getty ImagesDanville, Virginia
Annual cost of living: $35,677
Annual rent: $14,172
Annual groceries: $5,599
Danville is breathing new life into the region. The Virginia town recently revamped its downtown area, attracting new business owners, hotels and restaurants while preserving its historical roots to the tobacco and textiles industries. The area is thriving, but the cost of living is still cheap. Groceries are 7.5% lower than the U.S. average, but healthcare is 4.4% higher.
Methodology: For this piece GOBankingRates looked at the 2,500 largest cities in terms of housing market size, according to Zillow’s March 2025 data. With these cities isolated, GOBankingRates found the cheapest 2025 rent and annual cost of living for these places. Cost-of-living figures were calculated by first finding the annual average expenditure, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 Consumer Expenditure Survey and from there used cost-of-living indices sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces. For ME, ND, and VT the market size was relaxed to 4,000. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 14, 2025.
More From GOBankingRates
3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025
4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early
6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025
Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s the Cheapest City in Every East Coast State
The comprehensive guide to the cheapest cities in every east coast state offers a remarkable insight into affordable living on America's East Coast, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking cost-effective real estate and lifestyle options.
Travelers seeking an affordable getaway on the East Coast can find their cheapest destination in this guide, ensuring a pocket-friendly exploration of every state without compromising comfort.
The cheapest city to live in, on the East Coast by state—a revelation for anyone seeking cost-effective living without sacrificing quality of life.
