The top 10 U.S. cities with low costs, rising incomes, and an abundance of activities.

While New York and Los Angeles are never dull, the cost of living in these cities can often be prohibitive.

Portland, Maine is a great option for those seeking a livable city with a lower cost of living, a solid work-life balance, and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Portland was named the most livable metro in the U.S. by RentCafe, based on 17 factors across three categories, including cost of living, entertainment and leisure activities, income growth rate, and community involvement.

RentCafe reports that Portland excels in quality of life, location, and community, boasting a range of athletic facilities, healthcare providers, higher education opportunities, and top-notch food options.

Portland is more expensive to live in than the rest of the U.S., according to RentCafe, which cites the Council for Community and Economic Research's cost of living index.

According to RentCafe, the 10 most livable metro areas in the U.S. are:

1. Portland, Maine
2. Lincoln, Nebraska
3. Des Moines, Iowa
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Pittsburgh
9. Green Bay, Wisconsin
10. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

RentCafe examined 140 US metropolitan areas with a population of at least 300,000 to create its rankings. Notably, Asheville, North Carolina, initially ranked third, but due to Hurricane Helene's devastating effects, RentCafe temporarily removed the metro from its rankings.

In the Midwest, the five highest-ranked metros after Portland are Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The cost of living in cities in this region is generally lower than the national average. In Lincoln, Nebraska, residents enjoy a cost of living about 6% lower than the national average, while in Des Moines, Iowa, expenses are 12% lower, on average, than the rest of the country.

Portland's high quality of life may offset the cost of living and give it an edge in overall rankings. According to data from CountyHealthRankings.org, there are 36 health-care providers per 10,000 people in Portland, compared to just four in Des Moines and 11 in Minneapolis.

Your ideal place to reside will depend on your personal preferences, such as city size and climate, while also considering your budget and whether an expensive location is practical and worthwhile.

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