Top Affordable Places to Live With All 4 Seasons: Budget-Friendly American Cities

Looking for the best places to live that offer all 4 seasons without breaking the bank? You’re in luck. The United States has numerous affordable locations where families can enjoy spring, summer, fall, and winter while maintaining a reasonable cost of living. Based on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 ranking of best places to live and cost data from Sperling’s BestPlaces, we’ve identified 10 standout communities that deliver both seasonal diversity and financial practicality.

Ultra-Affordable Options: Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest

The most budget-friendly places to live with all 4 seasons cluster primarily in the Midwest and parts of the South. Decatur, Illinois leads the list with the lowest family expenses at just $1,320 per month ($15,840 annually)—a remarkable 75.6% below the national average. With a median household income of $49,682 and a population of 66,692, this city proves that you don’t need significant income to live comfortably.

Just slightly higher in monthly costs, Anniston, Alabama ($1,920/month or $23,040/year, 64.4% below average) and Midland, Michigan ($1,920/month, 64.4% below average) offer solid alternatives for families seeking four distinct seasons on a tight budget. Midland notably boasts a higher median household income of $75,889, suggesting better long-term earning potential for residents.

Mid-Range Affordability: Best Value for Quality of Life

Several cities strike an excellent balance between affordability and amenities. Weirton, West Virginia ($2,100/month or $25,200/year, 61.1% below average) and Enid, Oklahoma ($2,130/month or $25,560/year, 60.6% below average) offer more vibrant communities while maintaining exceptional cost advantages. Springfield, Illinois matches Enid’s monthly cost and percentage savings, supporting a population of 113,645—a notably larger city if you prefer more urban amenities while keeping expenses low.

In Texas, Mission ($2,940/month or $35,280/year, 45.6% below average), Eagle Pass ($2,940/month, 45.6% below average), and Fort Smith, Arkansas ($2,940/month, 45.6% below average) represent the higher end of our list but remain substantially cheaper than national averages. These areas attract families willing to spend slightly more for larger populations and potentially greater job opportunities.

The Geographic Advantage: Why These Best Places to Live Deliver All 4 Seasons

These 10 cities benefit from their continental locations, positioned in climatic zones that naturally experience all four seasons. The Midwest cities—including Bay City, Michigan—enjoy cold, snowy winters and warm summers, while Southern options like Anniston and Fort Smith provide gentler winters alongside hot, humid summers. This geographic advantage means residents don’t sacrifice seasonal variety for affordability, a rare combination in the modern housing market.

Choosing any of these best places to live with all 4 seasons offers families a practical path to homeownership and stability. Whether you prioritize maximum savings like Decatur’s 75% discount or prefer slightly larger communities with four-season climate diversity, these data-backed choices demonstrate that seasonal living and financial responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive goals.