Picking a place to move in the United States can feel like throwing darts at a map of 50 very different states. You want affordable rent, a decent job market, and maybe even a shot at being happy — not too much to ask. This guide pulls together the latest rankings and cost data so you can see which cities and states actually deliver on those promises, whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a British expat eyeing the Atlantic.

4 related posts

Happiest city (WalletHub 2026): Fremont, CA · Top-ranked city (U.S. News 2026-27): Carmel, IN · Cheapest city for $500 rent (est.): Wichita, KS · Happiest state (WalletHub 2024): Utah · Average U.S. cost of living index: 100

Quick snapshot

1Top Ranked City
2Cheapest City (est.)
  • Wichita, KS – cost of living index 83
  • Median rent under $800
3Happiest State
  • Utah – WalletHub #1 (2024)
  • Strong community and economy
4Best for Brits
  • Florida – largest UK expat population
  • Warm climate and no state tax
Key facts at a glance
Label Value
U.S. News #1 place 2026-2027 Carmel, IN
Cheapest city for $500/month rent (est.) Wichita, KS
Happiest state (WalletHub 2024) Utah
Most popular state for British expats Florida
Average U.S. cost of living index 100

Where do most Brits move to in America?

Top states for British expats

  • Florida draws the largest community of UK-born residents, drawn by warm winters and no state income tax (BBC (general expat patterns)).
  • New York and California also attract thousands of British professionals, especially in finance and tech.

Cities with strong UK communities

  • New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have the highest concentrations of British expats in major metro areas.
  • Smaller hubs like Austin, TX, and Charleston, SC, are growing in popularity among UK transplants.
The trade-off: British expats overwhelmingly choose Florida for weather and tax, but the real cultural connection often grows in cities with established UK networks, not just sun.

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in America?

Cities with low cost of living and high quality of life

  • Wichita, KS, offers a cost of living index near 83, with median rents well under $800, yet maintains good schools and job growth in manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Huntsville, AL, combines a fast-growing tech sector with a cost of living 12% below the national average.

Affordable housing markets in the Midwest and South

  • The Midwest dominates the affordability charts: cities like Overland Park, KS (uHomes (affordable happiness contender)) and Fishers, IN, offer homes under $250,000 and commute times under 25 minutes.
  • In the South, Chattanooga, TN, and Greenville, SC, balance low taxes with outdoor recreation.
Bottom line: If you want cheap without sacrificing safety and schools, the sweet spot is the Midwest or upper South, where $1,000 a month still rents a two‑bedroom in a good neighborhood.

Where’s the happiest place to live in America?

Happiest cities according to WalletHub

  • Fremont, California, scored 74.09 in WalletHub’s 2026 study, earning the No. 1 spot among 182 cities (Business Insider (WalletHub ranking)).
  • Fargo, ND (5th), Overland Park, KS (6th), Irvine, CA (8th), and Gilbert, AZ (9th) fill out the top ten.
  • San Jose, CA (10th) and Chandler, AZ (14th) also rank high.

Factors that contribute to happiness

  • WalletHub evaluated three key dimensions: emotional and physical wellness, income and employment, and community and environment (House Beautiful (methodology)).
  • Fremont offers 1,250 miles of hiking trails, 85 parks, and four farmers’ markets — amenities that directly support well‑being.
What this means: Happiness isn’t just about money. Cities with rich outdoor infrastructure and community programs consistently outscore high‑income areas that lack green space.

What are the top 10 best states to live in in the United States?

Rankings from U.S. News and Niche

  • U.S. News (U.S. News state rankings) consistently places Utah, Washington, and Idaho in the top 5 for 2025, based on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  • Niche’s 2025 list favors New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Massachusetts for schools and safety.

Criteria used for state rankings

  • U.S. News weighs 71 metrics including crime rates, graduation rates, and access to broadband.
  • WalletHub uses a similar framework for its city rankings but adds emotional health and local recreation.
The pattern: The same three states — Utah, Idaho, Washington — dominate every major list because they combine strong job markets with low crime and high natural beauty.

What are the best places to live in the US for families and young adults?

Best cities for families

  • Carmel, IN, and Fishers, IN, top family‑friendly rankings thanks to top‑rated schools and crime rates far below the national average.
  • Overland Park, KS (No. 6 happiest city) also boasts excellent public schools and large parks.

Best cities for young adults

  • Austin, TX, remains a magnet for 20‑somethings because of its live music scene, tech jobs, and no state income tax.
  • Denver, CO, offers outdoor adventure plus a booming economy. Both cities cost more than the national average, but wages scale accordingly.
The implication: Families should look to the Midwest suburbs for safety and school quality; young adults will get more cultural buzz in Sun Belt cities, even if rent is higher.

Happiness vs. affordability: a comparison

Three cities stand out as the best trade‑offs: Plano, TX, Overland Park, KS, and Fremont, CA. Here’s how they stack up across key factors.

City WalletHub happiness rank (2026) Cost of living index Median home price (est.) Top selling point
Plano, TX Top tier (affordable happiness) 103 $380,000 Low taxes, strong job market
Overland Park, KS 6th (Business Insider) 92 $310,000 Great schools, low crime
Fremont, CA 1st (House Beautiful) 158 $1,100,000 Outdoor amenities, high income
The upshot

If you can afford a six‑figure down payment, Fremont delivers unmatched happiness. For most families, Overland Park provides 90% of the well‑being at a third of the housing cost.

What we know and what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Fremont, CA, is the happiest U.S. city per WalletHub’s 2026 study (Business Insider).
  • Utah was ranked the happiest state in 2024 by WalletHub.
  • Florida has the largest British expat population among U.S. states.
  • Carmel, IN, is U.S. News’s No. 1 place to live for 2026‑2027.

What’s unclear

  • The exact cheapest city for $500/month rent varies by source and depends on utility costs and commute.
  • Happiness rankings shift year‑to‑year; WalletHub’s 2027 study may change the top 10.
  • British expat numbers aren’t tracked with exact granularity by the U.S. Census.

Fremont has more than 227,000 residents, 1,250 miles of hiking trails, 85 parks, four farmers’ markets, and three performing arts centers.

House Beautiful (lifestyle publication)

WalletHub evaluated 182 of the largest U.S. cities for its happiness ranking, using factors such as emotional and physical wellness, income and employment status, and community and environment initiatives.

Business Insider (financial news outlet)

The pattern across all five questions is consistent: there is no single “best” place, but a clear set of trade‑offs. The Midwest offers affordability and safety; the West Coast delivers happiness at a steep price; the South balances warmth and cost. For a British expat weighing Florida against New York, the choice is about taxes versus culture. For a family in the Midwest, Overland Park or Carmel check every box. For a young adult chasing opportunity, Austin and Denver still lead. The implication for anyone considering a move: pick your top two non‑negotiables — cost, community, climate — and the rankings will point you to a shortlist. For the average American household looking to relocate in 2026, the smartest bet is a top‑tier happiness city in a low‑cost region: Overland Park, Plano, or Fishers. The data says you’ll get more of what matters without breaking the bank.

Additional sources

youtube.com, talkirvine.com, mentalfloss.com

For a deeper dive into specific metro areas, check out our companion piece with detailed city rankings by category.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best state to live in for job opportunities?

Utah, Washington, and Texas consistently rank high for job growth. Texas leads in raw job creation, while Washington offers high wages in tech.

Which US city has the lowest crime rate?

Fremont, CA, and Overland Park, KS, both report violent crime rates well below the national average. Fremont has about 1.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

What is the cost of living in the top‑ranked city?

Carmel, IN, has a cost of living index around 97 — slightly below the U.S. average. Home prices average $380,000, and utilities are 10% lower than the national norm.

How do I move to the US from the UK?

The most common routes are through employer‑sponsored work visas (H‑1B for skilled workers, L‑1 for intra‑company transfers) or family‑based green cards. The Diversity Visa Lottery also offers a small chance.

What are the best states for retirees?

Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina top retiree lists due to low taxes, warm weather, and abundant healthcare facilities.

Is it cheaper to live in the US than the UK?

Overall, the U.S. has lower income tax rates but higher healthcare costs. A typical family in the Midwest spends 15‑20% less on housing than a comparable household in southern England.

What is the best place to live in the US for outdoor activities?

Fremont, CA, with its 1,250 miles of trails, is hard to beat. Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT, also offer year‑round access to hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.