Arkansas ranks as America’s cheapest state according to Business Insider’s analysis of all 50 states. The study measured housing affordability and everyday living costs including food, utilities, and transportation. Arkansas recorded the lowest overall cost of living and third-most affordable housing, with median household income at $62,106 and average home prices at $216,692. Mississippi followed second, while West Virginia, South Dakota, and Oklahoma completed the top five cheapest states. California led as the most expensive state with highest living costs and least affordable housing, where median income exceeded $100,000 but average homes cost $761,839. Southern states dominated cheaper rankings due to lower taxes and population density, while only Florida appeared among the ten most expensive states. (Story URL)
