Dublin named among 25 cheapest small towns to live

Dublin has been named one of the cheapest places to live in the United States – if you like small towns, that is. 

Kiplinger Personal Finance, an economics magazine published since 1947, placed Dublin, Georgia, among its recently released list of the 25 cheapest small towns to live in. The list recognizes cities and towns where the cost of owning a home or renting a living space is well below the national average while providing benefits like lighter traffic, lower cost of living and community engagement. Or as the magazine puts it, places “where you can maximize your budget without sacrificing charm.”   

Dublin came in at No. 23 on the list with expenses relating to buying or renting a home at 23.8 percent lower than the U.S. average. The average home price in Dublin, according to the magazine’s data, is just over $371,400, compared to the $540,600 national average. Rent is about 13.8 percent cheaper here compared to the average across the country. 

The cost of living here is 11.6 percent below the U.S. average. 

The city, long recognized for its convenient location between Atlanta and Savannah, boasts three institutions of higher learning – Middle Georgia State University, Georgia Military College and Oconee Fall Line Technical College – and a VA hospital, as well as two nationally recognized historic districts. 

“Tiny Dublin, Georgia, punches well above its population-size weight,” the Kiplinger article states.

The magazine also touts Georgia’s tax-friendly policies for retirees, further cementing this area’s appeal for ex-professionals. 

With living expenses on the rise across the country, local officials were pleased to see Dublin marked as an affordable place to live and work. Last month the city reduced building and permitting fees in an effort to spur residential development. 

“It was great to Kiplinger Magazine recognize our town’s affordability and quality of life. While housing prices are higher than ever, it’s good to know we’re still so much less expensive than everywhere else,” said Dublin Mayor Joshua Kight. 

“Dublin has found a sweet spot – we’re large enough to have lots of stores and services, but we’ve kept our friendly small-town feel. Neighbors still know each other and help each other out. You can get to the grocery store without having to worry about traffic. You can go out to eat at an award-winning restaurant. We’re a regional hub for healthcare, banking and retail, but you can still go fishing on Saturday and to church on Sunday. I’m happy we’ve been recognized, but the most important thing is that we stay true to our roots and keep our friendly culture as we grow.” 

Even though living in Dublin is cheaper than many places across the country, many still struggle to make ends meet. The magazine notes Dublin’s high poverty rate, at 36.3 percent, more than double the state’s poverty rate of 13.4 percent. 

Two other Georgia cities made the Kiplinger list. The city of Dalton, in the northern region of the state, ranked No. 20 on the list with low utility costs and a high number of manufacturing jobs. Housing in that region is about 30 percent cheaper than the national average. 

The south Georgia city of Statesboro came in at No. 15 in the magazine’s rankings. That municipality also boasts lower home prices than many areas, as well as the amenities and services that come with being a college town. 

Kiplinger’s list was compiled using data from The Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index. The council tracks the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, healthcare and other products and services across the country and releases the statistics quarterly.   

The cheapest small-town to live in the United States? Tupelo, Mississippi. Best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, which makes the town a top tourist destination for fans of The King of Rock and Roll, Tupelo claims affordable housing; cheaper groceries; and lower costs for healthcare, transportation and utilities than other towns. 

Mississippi regularly ranks among the cheapest states to live in, with U.S. News and World Report giving the Southern state the top ranking in its most recent affordability list.