VA Loan Network logo
  • Home
  • Apply Now
  • VA Loans
    • Programs
    • Today’s Rate
    • VA Guide
    • Refinance
    • Requirements
    • Benefits
    • State Guides
    • Calculator
  • Resources
    • Bases
    • Pay Center
    • BAH Rates
  • Learn
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us

The #1 Trusted Source for Veterans and Service Members

va loan network logo

SAME DAY APPROVAL

No Money Down, Low Interest Rates, No Mortgage Insurance

Check Your Eligibility

first lead form

"*" indicates required fields

Are you looking to purchase or refinance?
What is your goal?
Are you or your spouse retired or active military?
Active Military or Retired?
Are you receiving military retirement or VA Disability pay
Have you received PCS orders?
Where are you in the buying process?
Are you working with a real estate agent?
$350k - $400k
$0
$2m +
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Is this the first use of your VA entitlement?
What is your credit score?
Do you currently have a home to sell?
Do you currently have a VA loan on your property?*
$350k-$400k
$0
$2m +
$200k - $250k
$0
$2m +
$100k -$120k
What is the rate on your loan ?

Enter your contact details

Name*

By providing your name, email, and phone number, you consent to receive calls and texts from our VA loan specialists and lenders regarding your application. Message and data rates may apply. Your information will be used solely for this purpose. You can opt out at any time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Top 10 Cities With Lowest Cost of Living for Veterans

by Scott Levine | Oct 25, 2024 | Home Buying

10 cities lowest cost of living veterans

Last updated on February 2nd, 2025 at 05:10 am

The rising cost of living in many cities has made affordable housing a challenge, especially for veterans who may be balancing various post-service adjustments.

Fortunately, some cities offer a low cost of living, abundant veteran resources, and quality amenities, providing veterans with ideal places to settle down without breaking the bank.

This article explores the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the lowest cost of living for veterans in 2024, supported by housing data and market trends.

AI Logo Your Article Summary
Paragraph Bullet Points

In this Article

  • Factors Considered for Cost of Living
  • Top 10 Cities With the Lowest Cost of Living for Veterans
  • Housing Market Trends in 2024 for Veterans
  • Benefits for Veterans in Affordable Cities
  • VA Loans for Veterans: Requirements and Benefits
  • Requirements for VA Loans
  • Benefits of VA Loans
  • Example of Monthly Payments by Loan Type
  • Common FAQs for Veterans Buying in Low-Cost Cities

Factors Considered for Cost of Living

  • Housing Affordability (median home prices, rent averages)
  • Cost of Essentials (groceries, healthcare, utilities)
  • Veteran-Friendly Benefits (veteran services, tax breaks)
  • Employment Opportunities (particularly for veterans)

Top 10 Cities With the Lowest Cost of Living for Veterans

1. San Antonio, Texas

  • Median Home Price: $294,000
  • Cost of Living: 13% below the national average
  • Veteran Benefits: San Antonio has robust veteran support, such as the Texas Veterans Commission, which assists veterans with benefits applications, job placement, and VA healthcare enrollment.
  • Quote: “San Antonio offers veterans an affordable place to live with a strong support system for those transitioning from active duty to civilian life,” says Sarah Miles, Real Estate Expert at Lone Star Veterans Realty.

2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Median Home Price: $180,000
  • Veteran Resources: Home to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, offering specialized services for veterans.
  • Additional Benefits: Oklahoma also provides veterans with property tax exemptions and reduced business license fees.

3. Columbia, South Carolina

  • Median Home Price: $235,000
  • Cost of Living: 15% below national average
  • Veteran-Friendly Features: Tax exemptions on property for disabled veterans, free or reduced-cost licenses, and healthcare access at the VA Columbia Medical Center.

4. Des Moines, Iowa

  • Median Home Price: $228,000
  • Cost of Living: 12% below national average
  • Unique Resources: Des Moines has a strong job market, low crime rates, and a supportive veteran community.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

  • Median Home Price: $245,000
  • Veteran Benefits: The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs offers services such as home loan support and disability claim assistance.
  • Quote: “Louisville’s combination of affordable housing and veteran-friendly amenities makes it an excellent place for veterans,” notes Michael Turner, Senior Analyst at Veteran Housing Advisors.

6. Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Median Home Price: $180,000
  • Affordability: Known for low housing costs and robust veteran healthcare resources.
  • Benefits: Tax exemption for disabled veterans and a significant veteran population for community support.

7. Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Median Home Price: $265,000
  • Veteran Resources: The city has multiple organizations that assist veterans with job placement and healthcare services.
  • Low Utility Costs: Knoxville offers some of the lowest utility costs in the country, easing monthly expenses.

8. Fayetteville, Arkansas

  • Median Home Price: $225,000
  • Veteran-Specific Programs: Arkansas offers multiple tax benefits and educational incentives for veterans and their families.
  • Quote: “Affordable and community-oriented, Fayetteville provides veterans with both financial ease and a supportive community,” says Lisa Reed, Realtor at Ozark Veteran Realty.

9. Dayton, Ohio

  • Median Home Price: $220,000
  • Cost of Living: 18% below national average
  • Military Community: The city’s proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base makes it veteran-friendly with significant military and VA resources.

10. El Paso, Texas

  • Median Home Price: $213,000
  • Veteran Focused Programs: Texas offers multiple benefits to veterans, including home loan programs and tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
  • Quote: “El Paso’s affordability and the presence of Fort Bliss make it a top choice for veterans seeking both low costs and military community,” says John Martinez, Senior Real Estate Agent at Borderland Realty.

Housing Market Trends in 2024 for Veterans

  • National home prices have slightly declined, making affordable cities more appealing for homebuyers.
  • Texas and the Midwest regions show continued growth in veteran populations due to the affordability and availability of veteran programs in these areas.
CityMedian Home PriceCost of Living (Compared to National)
San Antonio, TX$294,000-13%
Oklahoma City, OK$180,000-15%
Columbia, SC$235,000-12%
Des Moines, IA$228,000-10%
Louisville, KY$245,000-14%

Benefits for Veterans in Affordable Cities

  • Lower Housing Costs: Cities with lower housing prices ease financial burdens, especially in retirement.
  • Access to VA Loans: VA loans offer veterans no down payments and low-interest options, making homeownership even more achievable in low-cost areas.
  • Property Tax Exemptions: Many states provide veterans with property tax reductions or exemptions.

VA Loans for Veterans: Requirements and Benefits

VA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offer veterans and active-duty military personnel an accessible route to homeownership with several unique benefits. These loans are specifically designed to make buying a home more affordable and come with flexible requirements compared to traditional loans.

Requirements for VA Loans

While the VA doesn’t set strict credit score requirements, most lenders look for a credit score of around 620. Here are the main requirements to qualify:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Veterans must obtain a COE from the VA, which proves their eligibility for the loan based on service history.
  • Service Requirements: Typically, veterans who have served at least 90 days during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or six years in the National Guard or Reserves meet the service eligibility criteria.
  • Occupancy Requirement: VA loans are for primary residences, so borrowers must plan to occupy the property as their main home.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Most lenders require a DTI below 41%, but the VA loan’s lenient underwriting guidelines can sometimes accommodate higher ratios.

Benefits of VA Loans

VA loans come with several financial advantages, particularly for veterans and active-duty military members. These benefits make homeownership more achievable:

  • No Down Payment Required: Qualified borrowers can finance up to 100% of the home’s value without a down payment, a unique benefit compared to conventional loans.
  • No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike other loan types requiring PMI when less than 20% down is paid, VA loans don’t need PMI, saving veterans hundreds of dollars monthly.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: VA loans often come with lower interest rates compared to conventional mortgages, reducing monthly payments and overall loan costs.
  • Lenient Credit Requirements: While lenders usually look for a minimum credit score of 620, VA loans are generally more accessible to those with varying credit histories.
  • Lower Closing Costs: The VA limits certain fees that veterans can be charged, and some costs can even be covered by the seller.
  • Funding Fee Waivers: Veterans with a service-connected disability are exempt from the VA funding fee, making the loan even more affordable.

Example of Monthly Payments by Loan Type

Loan TypeInterest RateDown PaymentMonthly Payment (on $300,000)
VA Loan5.75%$0$1,750
Conventional Loan6.25%$15,000$1,847
FHA Loan6.5%$10,500$1,897

These benefits and flexible requirements make VA loans one of the most affordable and accessible home financing options available to veterans and service members.


Common FAQs for Veterans Buying in Low-Cost Cities

What is the average cost of living for veterans in these cities?
Most cities on this list offer a cost of living between 10-15% below the national average, with housing and utilities as the main savings factors.

Are VA loans available in all these cities?
Yes, VA loans are available nationally, allowing veterans to benefit from lower interest rates and no down payment in these affordable cities.

What is the average home price in San Antonio for veterans?
As of 2024, the average home price in San Antonio is around $294,000, offering veterans an affordable option in a large city.

Can veterans access special state programs in Oklahoma City?
Yes, Oklahoma provides property tax exemptions and additional support for veterans seeking affordable homeownership.

What makes Columbia, South Carolina, affordable for veterans?
Low housing costs, tax exemptions, and support from the local VA medical center make Columbia an affordable option for veterans.

Are property taxes lower in these affordable cities?
Many states offer tax exemptions or reductions specifically for veterans, especially for those with service-connected disabilities.

How do utility costs compare in affordable cities?
Utility costs in cities like Knoxville and Dayton are below the national average, helping veterans manage monthly expenses.

Which city has the best job market for veterans?
Des Moines, IA, and Oklahoma City, OK, have strong job markets and high veteran employment rates.


The Bottom Line

Each of the cities on this list offers veterans affordability, community support, and access to key resources.

Whether it’s the low home prices in Oklahoma City, veteran-focused programs in San Antonio, or tax exemptions in Kentucky, veterans can find quality of life, community, and savings in these top 10 affordable U.S. cities.

Related Posts

toop cities for veteran homebuyersTop Cities for Veterans in 2024 how much money you need to buy a home as veteranHow Much Money Do Veterans Need to Buy a Home? Property tax exemptionsVeteran Property Tax Exemptions by State housing market crisisU.S. Housing Crisis Deepens as Home Sales Hit Lowest Since 2010 camp mabry housing guideCamp Mabry Veterans Guide utah va loan guideA Complete Guide to VA Loans in Utah

Latest Articles

  • How Your Credit Score Impacts VA Loan Rates
    How Your Credit Score Impacts VA Loan Rates
  • Rent vs. Buy for Active-Duty Service Members
    Rent vs. Buy for Active-Duty Service Members: How VA Loans Shift the Equation
  • New Real Estate Commission Rules VA Loan
    New Real Estate Commission Rules on VA Loans: What Veterans Need to Know
  • VA Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
    Why You Should Avoid VA Adjustable Rate VA Home Loans
  • $6,000 Grants for Veteran Homebuyers
    $6,000 Grants for Veteran Homebuyers: Your Guide to Assistance
  • Is the VA Funding Fee Tax Deductible?
    Is the VA Funding Fee Tax Deductible?
  • First vs. Subsequent VA Loan Use
    First vs. Subsequent VA Loan Use Explained
  • 2025 VA Loan Rates Are Lower Than Conventional Loans
    2025 VA Loan Rates Are Lower Than Conventional Loans
  • White House Reverses Trump’s Veterans Day Renaming Proposal
    White House Reverses Trump’s Veterans Day Renaming Proposal
  • Less Competitive Housing Market in 2025 Benefits Veterans
    Less Competitive Housing Market in 2025 Benefits Veterans
  • va Non-Allowable Fees
    Non-Allowable Fees for VA Home Loans
  • Understanding the Closing Disclosure on a VA Loan
    Understanding the Closing Disclosure on a VA Loan
  • Understanding the Loan Estimate on a VA Loan
    Understanding the Loan Estimate on a VA Loan
  • Title Insurance on a VA Loan
    Title Insurance on a VA Loan: The Ultimate Guide for Veterans

Our Latest Article

How Your Credit Score Impacts VA Loan Rates

How Your Credit Score Impacts VA Loan Rates

VA Loans

  • VA Loan Guide
  • VA Benefits
  • Credit Requirements
  • Loan Requirements
  • First-time Homebuyers
  • VA Loan Process
  • VA Certificate of Eligibility

About Us

    • Apply Now
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Legal Disclosures

 

Follow Us

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

Our Blog

  • Learn
  • VA Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Real Estate
  • Trends
  • Veteran Life
  • News
  • Credit

Copyright © 2025  VA Loan Network

3128 Napier Pk Shavano Park, TX 78231 Phone: (800) 230-7201 Email: [email protected]

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Like