4. Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you want robust cultural amenities alongside basement-level housing costs, look no further than Tulsa. The overall cost of living here is a staggering 16 percent below the national average, making it one of the most cost-effective mid-sized cities in the country.

Renters can frequently find comfortable apartments for under $900 a month, while homebuyers enjoy real estate prices that pale in comparison to coastal cities.

Tulsa does not feel like a town where you have to compromise. It features a thriving arts district, expansive outdoor spaces like the award-winning Gathering Place park, and an incredibly friendly community.

Roughly 17 percent of Tulsa’s population is over the age of 65, meaning you will find a strong peer group and a well-established infrastructure of senior services and medical care.