Affordable Living for Passionate Gamers: Top 10 Cheapest States for Gaming
Introduction
Gaming and streaming more than just hobbies these days. For passionate gamers, optimizing connectivity and home set ups to compete, create content and connect with friends means life. Yet between spiraling inflation and the rising cost tech gear, finding an affordable place to pursue gaming passionately can prove challenging.
The good news? Plenty of affordable living destinations exist where gamers can minimize expenses without sacrificing speedy internet, online community or gaming amenities. This guide reveals 10 cheapest states suited for needs like quick ping rates, secure gaming gear storage and overall affordable gaming lifestyles. Ranking criteria analyzed everything from network latency and access to tax structures and gaming culture per state.
Let’s jump in to see where savvy gamers can save the most while enjoying connected, competitive gaming lifestyles.
Top 10 Affordable Gaming States
- Arkansas
With median homes prices over $100k below national trends plus access to high-speed fiber networks, Arkansas tops the list for affordable gaming. The state’s average internet speed clocks nearly 200mpbs down/up, perfect for MMORPGs, streaming and multiplayer titles demanding robust connectivity.
Table 1: Arkansas Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 196 mbps down/183 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $181,200 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | Ranges from 2-5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 9.5% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550 per 100k pop |
Infrastructure investments continue expanding fiber networks statewide, bringing gigabit level speeds within gamers’ reach both urban and rural addresses. Major cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs and Conway now see over 50% household penetration. After setup, residents save substantially on cost of living including utilities and supplies thanks to regional parity 13% under the average.
Arkansas also features no tax on retirement income or Social Security benefits, helping stretch fixed budgets further. With vibrant Ozark Mountains, lakes and rivers that inspire hiking and biking adventures outside stream sessions, Arkansas brings stunning in game visuals IRL too!
- Oklahoma
Oklahoma emerges as 2022’s #2 most affordable gaming state, offering esports enthusiasts low latency fiber connectivity both urban and rural at just over $150k.
Table 2: Oklahoma’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 75 mbps down/75 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $155,800 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | Ranges from 0-5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 11.5% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 441 per 100k pop |
Google Fiber’s presence around Oklahoma City brings true gigabit connections under $70 monthly. Smaller metro regions like Ponca City, Enid and Bartesville see fiber to the premise through cooperative efforts closing connectivity gaps statewide.
Oklahoma also imposes no personal income tax, helping keep more eSports winnings profits in player pockets. Numerous higher education institutions feature esports scholarships, facilities and events for collegiate competition exposure too.
Outside gaming, Oklahoma’s Great Plains scenery dotted with rugged mountains, freshwater lakes and forests that delight hiking and biking fans on a budget.
- Alabama
Sweet Home Alabama rings true for passionate gamers seeking affordable living thanks to low taxes, utility costs and regional blazing fast fiber networks priced under 170k.
Table 3: Alabama’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $170,500 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 9% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 520 per 100k pop |
Major metros like Huntsville and Birmingham see google fiber widely available around $50-$70 monthly, perfect for reducing lag streaming or uploading YouTube highlight reels. Rural cooperatives also help fund fiber to the home access across smaller towns like Opelika, which now also sports esports networking lounges downtown.
Cost of living comes in up to 15 percent below average nationwide here for utilities, gear and staples. Income tax also remains reasonable at just 5 percent without exemption. Between the southern weather and agreeing foothills or riverside views, Alabama brings stunning backdrops whether gaming or enjoying the outdoors affordably.
- Indiana
With over half of Indiana households now accessing gigabit speeds, the Hoosier State brings connectivity essential for multiplayer and VR gaming at just $175k entry points. Tech funding helped pull Indiana from one of the worst networked stated to one of the best connected over the past 5 years.
Table 4: Indiana’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 115 mbps down/115 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $175,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 3.2% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 7% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 386 per 100k pop |
Today multiple major metros like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville see 60%+ households accessing fiber speeds perfect for downloading new titles and updates rapidly. Rural connectivity continues improving through provider coordination as well.
Various universities also founded esports teams and facilities for collegiate competition and exposure. Local governments even sponsor gaming events to bring community members together through digital recreation affordably.
Outside gaming, Indiana offers moderately priced cost of living with median incomes higher than national averages at $56k. Between revitalized cities and pastoral countryside, Indiana brings great game at reasonable rates.
- Mississippi
While Mississippi internet speeds still gaining traction ranked nationally, fiber pilots in larger metros make the Magnolia state 2021’s 5th most affordable for dedicated gamers under $145k.
Table 5: Mississippi Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 70 mbps down/45 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $144,900 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 7% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 280 per 100k pop |
AT&T fiber, C-Spire and other telecoms aggressively expanding fiber optic networks for future economic development. Today most Mississippi households can access high-speed cable internet with select cities gaining access to 100mbps+ symmetrical fiber connections needed for uploading streaming commentary smoothly.
Mississippi also exempts retirement income like military pensions and social security benefits from state tax obligations, helping stretch slim budgets further. Manufacturing, research and aerospace along the Gulf Coast also promises next-gen career opportunities to balance enjoying games.
Outside matches, coastal and countryside landscapes delight outdoorsy players when taking breaks beaches, bayous and walking trails that inspire. Mississippi makes room for hobbies without breaking banks.
- Missouri
Situated central to robust infrastructure between coastal hubs, Missouri emerges as an esports enthusiast favorite for affordable living thanks to low home costs around $206k and tax breaks.
Table 6: Missouri’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $206,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 1.5-6% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 8.6% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 510 per 100k pop |
Large metro fiber networks serve major hubs like Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia. Yet smaller towns benefit from public/private partnerships expanding access more rural markets traditionally underserved.
Income tax also remains reasonable while exempting private retirement income like pensions. Between revitalized urban centres and lush countryside, Missouri accommodates gaming hobbyists through affordable wireless access helping households operate on balanced budgets.
- Tennessee
Home to country tunes and sultry blues music, Tennessee hits all the right notes for gamers seeking affordable living at just $193k paired with fast fiber access.
Table 7: Tennessee’s Gaming Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $193,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 1% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 9.5% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 630 per 100k pop |
Chattanooga’s city owned utility EPB leads Tennessee’s high-speed charge, offering 10 gigabit per second fiber optic connections to every home and business in their service area. Multiple cooperatives help expand access beyond the metro at reasonable subscription costs around $70 monthly.
While Tennessee does tax personal income, rates sit around 1-3% depending on tax bracket. Various colleges also founded varsity esports programs to develop talent locally. With sunny weather and scenic appalachian charm, Tennessee sings a harmonious tune between affordability and quality living for the connected generation.
- Georgia
While median incomes fall shy of national trends in the Peach State, Georgia still shines as an esports haven thanks to affordable living costs including internet subscriptions needed to stream and game at pro levels.
Table 8: Georgia’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $289,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 5.75% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 8% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 390 per 100k pop |
Municipal fiber now serves around 250,000 households in the metro Atlanta area with lowest cost gigabit connections in the country by Georgia based service provider, Tucows Fiber.
Several universities also developed varsity esports programs and facilities for honing talent, including Georgia Tech which offers gaming scholarships to enroll. Neighboring states with lower costs of living remain within driving distance for weekend gaming meetups and events as well.
From scenic beaches to soaring appalachians, Georgia’s diverse landscapes provide perfect staycation backdrops when taking breaks training between tournaments and streaming sessions.
- Kentucky
Situated in the heart of bourbon country, Bluegrass State Kentucky rolls in at #9 most cost-effective state for gamers with below average living expenses to bankroll systems.
Table 9: Kentucky’s Gaming Environment
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $178,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 6% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 232 per 100k pop |
Lexington and Louisville lead Kentucky’s high-speed internet efforts thanks to public/private infrastructure coordination expanding fiber locally. Yet smaller towns benefit from rural electric co-op and provider partnerships reaching more households with modern 100mbps connections.
Income tax also remains at just 5 percent across brackets while exempting military pensions and retirement plan income entirely. Several universities host varsity esports teams for collegiate competition exposure. Outside gaming, Kentucky’s countryside dotted with charming horse farms and hidden waterfalls delight outdoor fans.
- Kansas
While historically lagging connectivity compared coastal states, Kansas increased fiber optic internet over 300 percent since 2019 make the Wheat State more gamer friendly.
Table 10: Kentucky’s Gaming Environment Snapshot
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Avg. Internet Speed | 100 mbps down/100 mbps up |
| Median Home Price | $209,000 |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 5.7% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 8.5% |
| Violent Crime Rate | 390 per 100k pop |
Multiple regional electric co-ops coordinated statewide to upgrade infrastructure delivering high-speed internet to rural towns for as low as $40 monthly. Larger metros areas serviced by private providers like Spectrum and Google Fiber.
Kansas also features no tax on Social Security benefits or federal/military retirement income – a major bonus help gamers operating on fixed incomes stretch further. Low home prices around $200k throughout much of the state allow dedicated gamers achieve affordable setups to stream, game and create content within budget.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The states showcased here illustrate that locating affordable havens for dedicated gamers need not mean relegation to dial up or isolation. High speed fiber internet continues permeating markets nationwide thanks to public and private coordination. Networks capable of handling high traffic gaming demands more financial accessible than ever if you know where to connect.
Ready to relocate for lower costs gaming setups? Be sure to analyze specific metro and neighborhood internet availability in potential destinations using tools like BroadbandNow. For help finding an affordable home matched to your speed requirements without blowing your budget, let’s connect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed internet is best for gaming and streaming?
Most competitive gamers and streamers require at least 100 mbps download speeds with low latency for optimum connectivity. Fiber networks are ideal for handling high traffic gaming and streaming activities through symmetrical upload and download rates.
How much data does gaming and streaming use?
Hardcore competitive gaming and streaming uses around 100-200 GB per month. Downloading new titles often consumes over 40 GB additionally each month. High traffic households should opt for unlimited data plans where possible or closely monitor usage.
Do I pay taxes on esports earnings?
In most states, income earned from competitive gaming and streaming counts as taxable income. Be sure to account for 1099 forms and estimated quarterly taxes to avoid penalties. Retaining a tax specialist versed in esports income can help navigate filing correctly.
Can better internet help me win games and rank up faster in esports?
Absolutely! Consistent, low latency connectivity keeps your reactions sharp, allows quicker processing of opponents movements to respond accurately and reduces disadvantages against equally skilled players with faster connections during crucial moments that determine matches.
What amenities cater to esports fans most affordably?
Seeking smooth gameplay starts with states that invested in fiber infrastructure and provide reasonable connectivity costs to residents. Competitive gaming also means reliable climate control, secure spaces to store expensive equipment and affordable cost of living to keep streaming passion projects solvent.
Want personalized guidance finding your ideal affordable gaming destination? Let’s connect today and level up worry free!
Additional Gaming Relocation Resources:
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