• The federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 an hour as of October 2010. Of the 45 states with their own minimum wage, 14 states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages higher than the federal one. Washington has the highest of these, at $8.55 an hour, according to the United States Department of Labor. Living on minimum wage is difficult anywhere, however some cities lend themselves to low-wage earners better than others.
  
  

Fort Smith, Arkansas

• Fort Smith, Arkansas, was named the cheapest city in the United States by Kiplinger. Fort Smith is the state's second largest city. Kiplinger reports that food, housing and transportation costs are all far below average. The state at-large also boasts low taxes. The city is home to the corporate headquarters of national companies as well as manufacturing plants. Social attractions in Fort Smith include the state's oldest symphony orchestra and an all-volunteer little theater.
  
  

Johnson City, Tennessee

• Johnson City was named fifth cheapest city in the United States by Kiplinger's. Cited in their profile of the city were Johnson's low cost for transportation, utilities and health care. The state of Tennessee has no income tax. Johnson City sits two hours away from larger metropolitan centers, such as Knoxville and Charlotte. The city has concerts and events at Freedom Hall. The city provides services such as garbage collection, sewer and water.
  
  

Pueblo, Colorado

• Kiplinger's survey named Pueblo, Colorado, as the second cheapest city in the United States. The city sits 103 miles from the larger city of Denver. The city was called one of the cheapest cities for rental rates by apartmentguide.com. Pueblo is also home to both a branch of Colorado State University and Pueblo Community College, allowing educational opportunities for those seeking to increase their income beyond the minimum wage.
  
  

Syracuse, New York

• Syracuse, New York, is recommended by move.com as an inexpensive city for those looking to dwell in the urban Empire State. Syracuse sits on the banks of southern Lake Ontario, offering access to nearby streams, lakes, flat plains and rolling hills for the outdoor enthusiast. However, the low cost of living comes with a price--move.com also reported that the city has a violent crime rate on par with New York City and a property crime rate more than double the Big Apple.
  
  

Bakersfield, California

• Bakersfield, California, boasts cheaper housing and a greater chance of finding a job than the nearby metropolis, Los Angeles. The city also has an air quality 13 times greater than Los Angeles, according to move.com. Bakersfield is home to attractions, such as a community theater, a music theater, the Bakersfield Blaze baseball team and the local affiliate of California State University.