Region guide
Moving to the South
The South is where a budget stretches furthest: low rents, warm winters, and no state income tax across much of it — Texas, Florida, and Tennessee among them. The trade-offs are summer heat and humidity, and on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, hurricane exposure and rising home-insurance costs.
No state income tax: Florida, Tennessee, Texas — gross salaries stretch further there.
Cities covered
44
States
14
Median rent
$1,440/mo
Median est. cost
$3,713/mo
Standouts in the South
Cheapest
El Paso, TX
$3,142/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Raleigh, NC
Fit 83
Highest default Fit Score across the region.
Safest
Virginia Beach, VA
Safety 99
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Huntsville, AL
Jobs 98
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
El Paso, TX
297 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.