Live on $1500 a Month in This Indiana City

As more people tighten their budgets, some of us are left wondering if there are still affordable places to live in the U.S. Fortunately, there are still some cities where you can live comfortably without a massive salary, and one of them happens to be in Indiana.

Why Affordable Housing Matters More Than Ever

Penny pinching, couponing, and maintaining a tight budget have become a way of life for many Americans. Climbing prices for everything from groceries, gas, and entertainment to rent and utilities have left us wondering where our money all went at the end of the month.

The Real Cost of Living in the U.S.

More than half of Americans (57%) are living paycheck to paycheck, according to MarketWatch, and according to data shared by the U.S. Census, the per capita income in the nation is $43,289. Pair that with 11.1% of the population, or roughly 36.8 million people, living in poverty, according to recent data from the U.S. Census, and it's easy to see why choosing an affordable place to live is so important.

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How Wage Gaps Make Budgeting Harder for Women

For women, the likelihood of living paycheck to paycheck, or living at or below the poverty line, is even more likely when you consider recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the 2025 First Quarter wage disparity between men and women.

Women had median weekly earnings of $1,096, or 83.9 percent of the $1,307 median for men. - US Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Where You Can Live on Just $1500 a Month

When it comes to finding an affordable place to live that offers more than just a roof over your head, things can get tricky. Not all U.S. cities are created equal, and some places come with a hefty cost of living price tag. Fortunately, there are some places where getting by with less is easier.

A recent deep dive by GlobeGrazers has revealed 18 U.S. cities, including one here in Indiana, where you can comfortably live on just $1,500 a month, which is significantly less than the national income average. It's also a lot less than a "livable wage" for Indiana.

So, where can you comfortably live on just $1,500 a month in Indiana? GlobeGrazers says Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers affordability and charm.

Why Fort Wayne Is a Top Affordable Pick

Small enough to be manageable but big enough to have options, Fort Wayne is a low-key spot for affordable living. Apartments often fall between $700 and $850, and many neighborhoods are quiet and well-kept. The city is serious about public spaces – there are parks, walking trails, and community centers galore. - GlobeGrazers