Are you tired of freezing during the cold winter months? Some of us live in areas that enjoy four distinct seasons. Although there are benefits, some of us would love to escape the cold months and fly south to a warmer climate.
If you fall into that category, but you’re also on the budget-conscious side, we have the perfect solution. Check out our list of the 20 best warm places to live with a low cost of living in the United States.
Table of Contents show
20. Phoenix, Arizona
Builder Online provides us with our first five warm and affordable places to live. Phoenix is a warm place to live with 85% of the year filled with sunny weather. If you love clear skies and hot weather in the summer, it’s the ideal location. The median cost of a new home is around $170,000, making it an affordable place to live.
In addition to all of this, Phoenix is a larger city that provides residents with all the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. There are tons of entertainment venues along with excellent restaurants.
19. Yuma, Arizona
Yuma has a hot climate in the summer but the winters are pleasant and mild. It’s one of the sunniest places to be in the entire United States. Around 90% of the year is filled with bright sunshine. The annual low temperature is just under 62 degrees F with highs averaging 88.4 degrees.
The median home price is $136,600, making it an exceptionally affordable place to live. Yuma is a great place for retirees who cannot tolerate the cold weather in wintertime. It’s also a popular destination for snowbirds who spend half the year in other parts of the United States, then fly southwest for the winter.
18. El Paso, Texas
El Paso is another warm city in the United States. The cost of living is average in the city and its outlying areas. El Paso residents enjoy about 300 days of sunshine in a year. You can purchase a new home for as low as $136,200. It’s an affordable place to live with plenty of outdoor recreational options including mountain hiking, biking, or camping.
17. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles has a mild climate with about 213 days of sun in an average year. The climate is warm in the summers. the median home price is a low $132,7000. Whether you’re looking for a warm place to retire or you just want to escape from extreme cold, Lake Charles is an excellent option. If you enjoy a city with southern charm and a touch of Cajun culture, consider moving to Lake Charles.
16. Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell is known for its UFO landings and the infamous Area 51. It’s also a great place to settle if you enjoy lots of sunshine and a warm climate. The annual high temperature is 75.5 degrees F with an average low of 46.3 degrees. The median price of a new home is $127,000 which makes it an affordable place to live. If you enjoy seeing some of the most beautiful desert sunsets and sunrises in the world, then you might want to consider moving to Roswell.
15. Port Charlotte, Florida
MoneyWise lists the next five cities as the best warm places to live with an affordable cost of living. It kicks off the rest of the list with Port Charlotte, Florida. Port Charlotte is an amazing place to live with low taxes and a median housing price of $166,600. The climate is warm and humid and the environment is relaxed and kicked back. If you want to live on the waterfront this is an excellent place to live to realize your dreams.
14. Grand Prairie, Texas
Grand Prairie has a warm climate and it’s more suited to those who enjoy a small-town feeling. It’s a popular place for retirees to settle, but it’s also ideal for families with children. There are lots of entertainment venues, fitness centers, and parks.
While the winters can be cold and wet, the summer is hot with high humidity. Great Prairie does have a winter season that dips below many of the other cities on our list, but the summers make up for the few months of chilly temperatures.
13. Bella Vista, Arkansas
Bella Vista is a small town with a population under 30,000. The weather is lovely and warm. The town is surrounded by hardwood forests with several walking trails. There are many golf courses along with shooting ranges, tennis courts, swimming pools, and the town is home to seven lakes.
The median home price is a mere $102,000. Renters pay just $650 a month on average. Bella Vista is one of the most affordable places in the state of Georgia to live. It’s an excellent choice for retirees or for couples who are raising a family with kids.
12. Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson is a college town that offers an affordable place to live. It’s just two hours from Atlanta, so you can enjoy the relaxation of a smaller town but you’re not far from a large metropolitan area. The median home price is around $180,000, which is reasonable compared to the national average.
Clemson is a great place for young people who are pursuing an education at the local institution of higher learning. It’s also a great place to stay and build a life because of its comfortably warm climate and affordable cost of living.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a lovely southern town that is ideal for pedestrian traffic. The climate is hot and humid in the summer. It’s wet and mild in the winter. The median cost of housing is $120,000. It’s an affordable place to live, but it’s also filled with tons of things to do.
There are plenty of amazing restaurants that range from southern style comfort foods with grab and go speed, to fine dining experiences that offer the taste of the culture and cuisine of Savannah. There are also other amenities including parks and entertainment venues.
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
AARP continues our warmest and most affordable places in the USA. Santa Fe is a lovely and diverse city with a blending of Spanish, American, and Native American culture. It’s not far from the southern Rocky Mountain. The cost of living is average, but the median household income is higher. This makes it an affordable place to live in. there is plenty of sunshine in Santa Fe if you don’t mind hot summers.
9. Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces is an incredibly affordable place to live. The cost of living is below average. You can buy a new single-family home for $178,558 on average. The weather is mild in the winters but it can get hot in the summertime. Las Cruces is a larger city with a population of 97,618 residents.
8. Vero Beach, Florida
According to AZ Big Media, Vero Bech is a great place for retirement, or for anyone who loves warm climates. It’s also an affordable place to live. The average cost of a home in Vero Beach is just $222,800. There are so many amenities that it’s a little slice of heaven. It’s a resort-like city featuring a variety of professional theaters, art museums, 41 parks, and much more. On average, the high temperature is 90 degrees with a low of 52 degrees.
7. Los Angeles California
Los Angeles is a coastal metropolis that has a variety of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from. Although some parts of the city are expensive to live in, there are also several areas that are actually quite affordable to live in. It’s warm in Los Angeles with sunshine for 73% of the year.
There’s not a lot of rain and the ocean is nearby. It’s a culturally diverse area and there are always fun events taking place. You never know when you’re going to have a celebrity sighting in Los Angeles because it’s not far from Hollywood, the film capital of the world.
6. Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is a city that is rich in Cajun history and culture. It’s just a few hours out of New Orleans. The temperature averages a high of 92 degrees during the summertime and at its coldest, the average low only reach 43 degrees. The city is bustling with farmer’s markets, restaurants, and lots of entertainment options.
There are abundant swamps, rivers, and lakes around the area, which provide yet more outdoor fun and activities. Surprisingly, the cost of living is 8 percent below the national average. You can get a new home for an average cost of $157,000.
5. Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria averages a low of 40 degrees in the wintertime and a high of 73 degrees. It’s a small town with a rural vibe for those who prefer country living. The town has a suburban feeling with lots of farmland and hills surrounding it. Much of the ground is used for vineyards. There are several outdoor parks as well as performing arts venues so you can catch a concert now and then. The cost of living is surprisingly affordable in Santa Maria.
4. Napa Valley, California
MSN.com closes out our list with the top four places in the US that are affordable with warm climates. Napa Valley is an amazing place to live if you like warm weather. The average low temperatures are very temperate in the wintertime. In January the average temperature is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
By March, this rises to 64 degrees. It gets pretty toasty in the summer. It’s worth noting that Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Some of the best wines are grown and produced here.
3. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a warm place to live with an average high of 57 degrees in January. Summers can get sweltering hot with temperatures rising to an average of 96 during the hottest months. If you like warm weather then you will love Dallas. While there are some places in the city that are expensive to live in, this large metropolis is filled with neighborhoods and suburbs that are affordable to live in.
You also have the advantage of all of the amenities of a larger city with world-class museums, restaurants, cocktail bars, and tons of entertainment venues. There are also parks, sculpture gardens, and plenty of places to enjoy outdoor patio seating at select eateries.
2. Gulf Shores, Alabama
In Gulf Shores, you won’t need to worry about getting a chill. The average temperature in the month of January is 57 degrees Fahrenheit with temps around 85 degrees in the month of September. Gulf Shores is on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and it’s a popular vacation destination filled with lovely white beaches, seafood restaurants, and unique bars and cocktail lounges. There is always something to do in Gulf Shores. The cost of living in the city depends on where you settle. There are some good deals on property in the town.
1. Golden Isles, Georgia
In Golden Isles, the average temperature in the winter is 68 degrees F. The climate is mild and warm. If you’re a fan of island life then you will absolutely love Golden Isles. It’s a part of the barrier islands in the state of Georgia.
The town is filled with southern charm, complete with moss-draped oaks. It’s an affordable place to live and you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Golden Isles is more of a laid back community that is ideal for birdwatchers. There are plenty of marshlands and sandy driftwood beaches to explore in the area.
You can also read:
- The 20 Healthiest Places to Live in the U.S.
- The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S.
- The 20 Most Peaceful Places to Live in the U.S.
- The 20 Best Places for Writers to Live in the U.S
FAQs
The 20 Warmest Places to Live With A Low Cost of Living In The U.S.? ›
1 city with the best weather in the U.S.? Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu took the top spot with an average annual temperature of 77.7 degrees. While the city endures an average of 93 rainy days per year, it also averages 90 sunny days and zero days where the temperature dips below freezing.
Where is the warmest place to live in the USA? ›1 city with the best weather in the U.S.? Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu took the top spot with an average annual temperature of 77.7 degrees. While the city endures an average of 93 rainy days per year, it also averages 90 sunny days and zero days where the temperature dips below freezing.
What is the best warm state to live in? ›Hawaii. Consistent temperatures are one of the main attractions at Hawaii. Average high temperatures for Honolulu on the island of Oahu and Kahului on Maui stay steady in the 80s F nearly all year. That's accompanied by plenty of sun and dry weather on three out of four days.
What is the warmest place to live year round in the US? ›With an average monthly temperature of 78.7°F and 343.57 hours of sun per month, Miami is the ultimate destination for warm weather and sun-seeking travellers.
What state stays 70 degrees year round? ›While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year in most U.S. states, there are few states with warm weather that see averages around 70-degree weather year-round. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Where is the best warm place in USA in winter? ›Miami, Florida
What is this? Miami, Florida holds the title for the warmest city in the USA during the winter. It also offers some of the hottest weather in the US! Daily average highs in the winter reach 70°F (21°C) and nightly lows only drop to around 62°F (17°C).
Based on these criteria, California has the best weather in all 50 states. Coastal cities in south and central California, such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Barbara, experience only 20 inches of rain per year and temperatures typically between the low 60s and 85 degrees.
What state is not too hot and not too cold? ›San Diego is the textbook example of beautiful year-round climate. It's never too hot and never too cold, with a very minimal amount of that pesky California fog to get in the way—when it does roll in, it burns off pretty quickly in the morning. Winters average at 57° F, summers at 72° F—72° F, people!
Where is the cheapest state to live in the US? ›1. Mississippi. Mississippi is the cheapest place to live in the United States, with a cost of living 15.6% lower than the national average.
What city has the lowest cost of living? ›Fort Wayne, Indiana, was named the city with the lowest cost of living for 2022.
What state has the least humidity? ›
Nevada has the lowest humidity. It's no coincidence the state is known for its desert and arid climate. With average relative humidity sitting at 38.3%, Nevada has the lowest relative humidity (when comparing states) in the country.
What city has the best weather to live in USA? ›Best weather: San Francisco, CA
First place goes to San Francisco, with only two days of extreme heat and a low temperature just below freezing at 27 degrees. Second place goes to San Diego, followed by Los Angeles. Both have an average yearly temperature of 60 degrees with sunny days 70% of the year.
The ten hottest states in the US are Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Arizona, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
What state has the worst humidity? ›| State | Average Relative Humidity | Average Dew Point |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 73.3% | 65.2 |
| Iowa | 72.4% | 39.8 |
| Michigan | 72.1% | 38.0 |
| Indiana | 72% | 43.0 |
Snow falls in 49 of the 50 states in most winters; Florida being the lone exception. Northern portions of Florida, especially in the panhandle, experience some flurries during most, but not all winters.
Where is the cheapest warm place to vacation? ›Cancun, Panama, Cuba, and El Salvador offer excellent Central American winter destinations and are affordable places to escape the cold. Aside from the affordable hotels, bounty beaches, and cheap transportation, Central America is an ideal destination for those looking to explore culture and nature.
What state stays the warmest during winter? ›- Arizona.
- California.
- Georgia.
- Florida.
- Nevada.
- New Mexico.
- South Carolina.
- Texas.
Florida. Florida has the mildest winters in the continental U.S (mid-Dec to mid-April). The average winter lows, usually recorded in January, range from approximately 52 °F (11°C) to 68 °F (20 °C).
What state gets the most sun? ›Arizona – 5,755 kJ/m²
With an annual sunlight average of 5,755 kJ/m², it tops the sunniest states in the US.
Steinhatchee: Florida's Least Humid Community
Temperatures in Steinhatchee range as low as 39°F in January to a high of 92°F in July. Its annual average precipitation is 59.6 inches. At an average annual humidity of 69.41% Steinhatchee is, on average, the least humid community in Florida.
What state has the coolest summers? ›
North Dakota tops the list of coldest states in winter and fall, based on state-wide average temperatures. During spring, Maine is coldest, while in summer it's Wyoming. Some states are among the ten coldest states year round.
What state has the worst winter? ›Alaska is the coldest state in the United States, with an annual average temperature of 30.7 Fº, and temperatures that can go as low as -80°F. It has some of the longest and coldest winters in North America due to its extreme northern location and lack of low-lying land and mountains.
What state has the worst weather year round? ›- Extreme weather score: 73.1.
- Record high temperature: 134 F.
- Record low temperature: -45 F.
- Record rainfall in a 24-hour period: 25.8 inches.
- Record snowfall in a 24-hour period: 67 inches.
Lack of extremes
Among the U.S. states, Hawaii has both the lowest state maximum of 98 °F (36.7 °C) and the highest state minimum of 12.0 °F (−11.1 °C). Tropical ocean island locations such as Hawaii often have the lowest recorded temperature ranges, sometimes with a difference of as little as 62 °F (34.4 °C).
Mississippi
Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average. The median single family home costs around $140,818.
| Rank | Groceries | Health |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | Maryland |
| 2 | Texas | Kentucky |
| 3 | Arkansas | Arkansas |
| 4 | Kentucky | West Virginia |
Rather, Alabama is the most affordable state to retire in, according to WalletHub's “2023 Best States to Retire.” The analysis compared all 50 states across three key categories: health care, quality of life and affordability.
What is the number 1 place to live in America? ›A new report has named Cambridge, Massachusetts—in the Boston area—the best city to live in America.
What is the safest and cheapest place to live? ›- Live in Boise, Idaho.
- Affordable living in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Winston Salem, North Carolina: among the cheapest cities in USA.
- Live affordably in Naples, Florida.
- Enjoy Lexington, Kentucky.
| Rank | City | Cost of living (U.S. average=100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Rock, AR | 87.70 |
| 2 | Tulsa, OK | 88.60 |
| 3 | Omaha, NE | 91.70 |
| 4 | Des Moines, IA | 92.30 |
What state has low humidity and mild winters? ›
Portions of interior southern and central California, and southern Arizona offer climates with relatively mild winters and low relative humidity readings.
What city has the best no humidity? ›- Las Vegas, NV. It might be known as Sin City, but Las Vegas is also known for being one of the least humid cities in the country. ...
- Phoenix, AZ. ...
- Denver, CO. ...
- Albuquerque, NM. ...
- Salt Lake City, UT. ...
- Making the Best Choice.
The increased levels of moisture in the air when the weather is humid prevent your skin from drying out. If your skin is normal or dry, higher humidity levels can help your skin feel soft, supple, and more nourished in comparison to a drier climate.
What kills more people heat or cold? ›Both heat and cold can kill. But cold is far more deadly. For every death linked to heat, nine are tied to cold.
What is the healthiest climate to live in? ›Warm, dry, sunny weather without excess heat or cold is immensely beneficial for our mental health.
Which cities only have two seasons? ›“There are two seasons in Manaus — summer and hell,” a local adage goes.
Which is hotter Arizona or Florida? ›The summers in Arizona can be extremely hot, well into the double digits, sometimes past 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida summers are cooler, with temperatures ranging in the 90s, but this time of year is notorious for heavy rains and tropical storms.
Is Arizona or Texas hotter? ›Texas is absolutely the hottest and most insufferable state in the entire nation. Forget about Death Valley, Arizona, Nevada, Florida—none of them measures up. Texas alone has the right to be known as Number One, the worst.
Which is hotter Florida or Texas? ›Hottest States in America
During every season, Florida, Louisiana and Texas are consistently among the top four of the nation's hottest states, based on state-wide average temperatures. Florida ranks overall as the warmest state year round. The other state in the top four is Hawaii.
If you're looking to avoid humidity, you might want to consider cities located in the Central or Western portions of the United States. The top five least humid cities are Las Vegas, NV (36%), Bishop, CA (38%), Phoenix, AZ (46%), Tucson, AZ (47%), and El Paso, TX (50%).
What is the driest state in the US? ›
Nevada is the driest state in the nation, and the only state to average less than 10 inches of rain per year. The national average is about 30 inches.
Is Alabama or Florida more humid? ›...
Introduction.
| # | State | Average Annual Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 88.67% |
| 2 | Louisiana | 88.25% |
| 3 | Alabama | 85.75% |
| 4 | Florida | 85.58% |
The snowiest state of all is New Hampshire, which gets an average of 174.35 inches of snow each year. This is followed by Maine, which gets 92 inches annually and Vermont, with 80.2 inches. Alaska and Wyoming come next, with 79.6 and 77.33 inches respectively.
What is the rainiest state in America? ›In the United States in 2021, Mississippi recorded 66.84 inches of precipitation, the highest amount of within the contiguous 48 states that year. Nevada was the driest state, with only 9.56 inches of precipitation recorded.
Where to live in the US for all 4 seasons? ›1. Corvallis, Oregon. Corvallis is a city of around 60,000 people that has a mild four-season climate. The city is noted for its outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, and fishing.
Which town in US has never seen snow? ›With no official recorded snowfall over the last 150 to 200 years, Everglades City, Florida, is one of the most snow-free places in the United States. Located right on the Gulf Coast, the area is known for its swamps and small-town charm.
Where has it never snowed? ›Fiji: The record low in the nation of tropical islands did hit the freezing mark in 1965, reports Trading Economics. However, the country, as well as several of their South Pacific neighbors, has never seen snow, according to the WorldAtlas and the Farmer's Almanac. A beach at a resort at Natadola Bay in Fiji.
Which city has no snow in USA? ›In the United States, there are several cities that are located in regions that receive little to no snowfall, or have a climate that is generally warm or mild. Some of these cities include: Miami, Florida. San Diego, California.
Where is it warm all year-round? ›Santa Barbara, CA
Known for it's Mediterranean climate and awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean views, Santa Barbara holds the best weather, in this state, for boating or water activities year-round. Take in the sight of clear skies and an unencumbered oceanview.
Florida has the mildest winters in the continental U.S (mid-Dec to mid-April). The average winter lows, usually recorded in January, range from approximately 52 °F (11°C) to 68 °F (20 °C). Snow is a rare phenomenon and winter days are typically sunny and warm.
What state has no cold weather? ›
Snow falls in 49 of the 50 states in most winters; Florida being the lone exception. Northern portions of Florida, especially in the panhandle, experience some flurries during most, but not all winters.
What state has the worst heat humidity? ›You might be surprised to see that our most northern state tops this list, but there's a reason that Alaska has the highest Relative Humidity (RH). Alaska has an average RH of 77%. The next highest state, Florida, comes in around 74% average RH.
Where is the best warm place to live? ›- Mexico. Like any country, some parts of Mexico are nicer and safer than others. ...
- Panama. Just a bit further south is Panama. ...
- Ecuador. Situated on the equator, Ecuador is a top pick if you really desire warm weather. ...
- Colombia. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Malaysia. ...
- Spain. ...
- Nicaragua.
- Málaga, Spain. One of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets, Málaga experiences really warm winters and super hot summers. ...
- KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ...
- Canary Islands. ...
- Loja, Ecuador. ...
- Goa, India. ...
- Cyprus, Mediterranean. ...
- Central Valley, Costa Rica. ...
- Morocco, Africa.