4 Valley cities rank among 50 safest and most affordable U.S. cities

Article originally posted on AZ Big Media on June 14, 2024

Gilbert ranks as the third best city to live in for safety and affordability in the U.S., according to a new study that looked at the safest and most affordable U.S. cities. Surprise ranked No. 25 on the list, Chandler was No. 34 and Mesa is ranked No. 44.

Researchers at GOBankingRates analyzed cost of living, crime rates, and the livability of more than 300 of the largest cities in the U.S. To do so, we examined data from the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and FBI, among other sources.

To rank the best cities for safety and affordability, our researchers gave each city an individual score for safety, livability, and cost of living. The cities were then ranked from highest overall scores to lowest overall scores.

Choosing a family-friendly place to live is a significant decision that involves a balancing act between safety and affordability in any big city. Several cities in America stand out for offering a combination of low crime rates and reasonable living costs, even when compared to small towns. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family or a retiree, finding real estate where you feel comfortable — both physically and financially — is crucial for a high quality of life.

Whichever city is home for you, be sure to compare it to the cities on the list below to compare what you could spend versus what you could save. Each city has its unique charm and strengths, ensuring that you can find a community that fits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking for vibrant cultural scenes, strong job markets, excellent schools or outdoor recreational opportunities, these cities provide a safe and affordable environment to call home.

GOBankingRates conducted a study based on the costs of living and crime rate averages. They were then ranked from lowest to highest based on these average crime rates and costs and the ratings were factored by crimes per 1,000 people, then compared to the national average. Here are some key takeaways:

• Cities in Texas: Of the top 25 cities from GOBankingRate’s study, 11 are located in Texas.
• Cheapest cost of living: Of the top 50 cities listed, the cheapest cost of living is in Brownsville, Texas, with an estimated monthly cost of $2,940.
• Most violent crime: Even though still much safer than other big cities such as New York City or Los Angeles, the highest rate of violent crimes on this list is in Mesa, Arizona.

Click the link to review the 50 safest and most affordable American cities.

Top 5 most affordable U.S. cities

1. Elgin, Illinois

• Median household income: $85,998
• Household average mortgage cost: $1,840
• Total monthly cost of living: $4,008
• Property crimes: 851
• Violent crimes: 215

2. Cary, North Carolina

• Median household income: $125,317
• Household average mortgage cost: $3,814
• Total monthly cost of living: $5,863
• Property crimes: 1,975
• Violent crimes: 142

3. Gilbert, Arizona

• Median household income: $115,179
• Household average mortgage cost: $3,499
• Total monthly cost of living: $5,510
• Property crimes: 2,818
• Violent crimes: 323

4. League City, Texas

• Median household income: $117,316
• Household average mortgage cost: $2,216
• Total monthly cost of living: $4,157
• Property crimes: 1,497
• Violent crimes: 126

5. Rochester, Minnesota