Temple Makes 'Top 10 Cheapest Cities List' - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

A Central Texas city has made the list for the cheapest places to live across the U.S.  The city of Temple came in at number 6, on a top 10 list of "cheapest cities" put out by Yahoo.com.

Temple made that list largely because of its affordable housing. Those who live in Temple pay around 25% less for housing than average person. But along with that, residents pay less for groceries, utilities and even transportation.

Right in the heart of Texas lies the city of Temple. Population, 72,000. But with a recent ranking amongst the most affordable cities nationwide, that may change sooner than later.

Crystal Hooper and her family recently relocated from Corpus Christi, and she's already noticing the savings. "Our rent for a 3 bedroom house was about $1350 a month, now we pay about $900 a month," says Hooper.

When it comes to buying a home, you can get more for your buck. "In some cases 25% over some larger cities. Not only in the home prices, but in the amount you're actually getting for that money," says Bradley Sheppard, President of the Temple-Belton Board of Directors.

You'll pay 7% less for health care in Temple. A driving factor for many. "Health care here is excellent, that's a big draw. Specially as people are aging, that want to be close to health care and that might be on a fixed income," says Elizabeth Carlton, with the Temple Economic Development Corporation.

Groceries will also cost you around 18% less than average cities. And some shoppers even noticed additional perks. "I was happy to see that some of the local grocery stores here do have more organic food and locally grown food," says Kerry Merkel, who recently moved to Temple.

Crystal is exploring her new home, and says the extra cash is very welcomed in her home. "Now I think we'll kind of be able to relax a bit and not worry so much," says Hooper.

For anyone who is interested in moving to Temple, there are plenty of options. There are nearly 500 listed homes in the area.

Reporter: Tania Ortega  

Photographer: Matt McGovern